1. A nurse is assessing a toddler's cognitive development. According to Piaget's theory, which behavior indicates the child is in the preoperational stage? A. The child uses logic to solve problems. B. The child learns through trial and error. C. The child is egocentric in thinking. D. The child understands conservation of mass. Answer: C. The child is egocentric in thinking. Rationale: Piaget's preoperational stage, occurring from ages 2 to 7, is characterized by egocentric thinking where the child is not yet able to take the perspective of others. 2. During a growth and development class, a nursing student asks about the primary difference between Freud's and Erikson's theories. Which response by the instructor is most accurate? A. Freud's theory focuses on psychosexual stages, while Erikson's emphasizes psychosocial stages. B. Freud's theory is based on cognitive development, while Erikson's is based on physical milestones. C. Freud's theory outlines moral development, while Erikson's describes emotional regulation. D. Freud's theory emphasizes social interactions, while Erikson's focuses on unconscious desires. Answer: A. Freud's theory focuses on psychosexual stages, while Erikson's emphasizes psychosocial stages. Rationale: Freud's theory of development is centered around psychosexual stages that are driven by the libido, while Erikson's theory is a series of psychosocial stages, each with a crisis that must be resolved. 3. A nursing student is learning about the developmental tasks of early adulthood according to Erikson's stages of psychosocial development. Which task is most representative of this stage?