Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition - Stress and Mental Health Related

Review Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition - Stress and Mental Health related questions and content

A nurse has completed an assessment of a patient who is experiencing significant stress. The assessment revealed intense anger and acting out behaviors along with statements of negative emotions. Which nursing diagnosis would be most appropriate?

  • A. Disturbed thought processes
  • B. Low self-esteem
  • C. Hopelessness
  • D. Ineffective coping
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Intense anger, acting out, and negative emotions indicate ineffective coping, as the patient struggles to manage stress adaptively. Disturbed thought processes, low self-esteem, and hopelessness may be present but are less directly tied to the described behaviors.