Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

When using the Structural Family System model, what key factor should the nurse evaluate?

1. Family structure

2. Personal beliefs

3. Family boundaries

4. Interpersonal relationships

The correct answer is: Family boundaries

In the Structural Family System model, one of the primary focuses is on understanding the family's organization, including how different family members interact and the roles and relationships within the family unit. Family boundaries are crucial as they define how family members relate to one another and to external systems. Boundaries can be rigid, flexible, or diffuse, affecting communication, roles, and the overall dynamics within the family. Evaluating family boundaries allows the nurse to understand the level of independence and connection among family members. For instance, healthy boundaries enable individuals to maintain their own identities while remaining part of the family, whereas overly rigid or diffuse boundaries can lead to conflict or enmeshment. By assessing these boundaries, a nurse can identify areas where interventions may be needed to improve family functioning and support the health of its members. Other factors such as family structure, personal beliefs, and interpersonal relationships are also important but do not capture the essential framework regarding how family members interact within the context of the family system. Understanding boundaries provides insight into the relational patterns that are critical for effective interventions and support within the family.