Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions Related

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A client refuses to go on a cruise to the Bahamas with his spouse because of fearing that the cruise ship will sink and all will drown. Using a cognitive theory perspective, the nurse should use which of these statements to explain to the spouse the etiology of this fear?

  • A. Your spouse may be unable to resolve internal conflicts, which result in projected anxiety.
  • B. Your spouse may be experiencing a distorted and unrealistic appraisal of the situation.
  • C. Your spouse may have a genetic predisposition to overreacting to potential danger.
  • D. Your spouse may have high levels of brain chemicals that may distort thinking.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Your spouse may be experiencing a distorted and unrealistic appraisal of the situation. This aligns with cognitive theory, which focuses on how our thoughts and perceptions influence our emotions and behaviors. In this case, the client's fear of the cruise ship sinking is likely based on an irrational and exaggerated belief rather than a realistic assessment of the situation.

Choice A is incorrect because it focuses on internal conflicts, which may not be directly related to the client's fear of the cruise ship sinking. Choice C is incorrect as genetic predisposition alone is unlikely to explain the specific fear of the cruise ship sinking. Choice D is incorrect as it suggests a biological basis for the fear, whereas cognitive theory emphasizes the role of thoughts and perceptions.