Nokea
An unemployed college graduate is experiencing severe anxiety over not finding a teaching position and has difficulty with independent problem-solving. During a routine physical examination, the graduate confides in the clinic nurse. Which is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
- A. Encourage the graduate to use alternative coping mechanisms such as relaxation exercises.
- B. Complete the problem-solving process for the graduate.
- C. Work through the problem-solving process with the graduate.
- D. Encourage the graduate to keep a journal.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In situations where a client is experiencing severe anxiety and struggles with independent problem-solving, it is essential for the nurse to work through the problem-solving process together with the client. By doing so, the nurse can provide support and guidance to help the client navigate through their challenges effectively. Choice A is not the most appropriate as just encouraging alternative coping mechanisms may not address the root of the problem. Choice B of completing the problem-solving process for the graduate does not promote independence or skill development. Choice D of encouraging the graduate to keep a journal may be helpful but does not directly address the need for assistance in problem-solving during heightened anxiety.
You may also like to solve these questions
Which is an example of the ego defense mechanism of regression?
- A. A mother blames the teacher for her child's failure in school.
- B. A teenager becomes hysterical after seeing a friend killed in a car accident.
- C. A woman wants to marry a man exactly like her beloved father.
- D. An adult throws a temper tantrum when he does not get his own way.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Regression involves reverting to an earlier stage of development for comfort. In this case, an adult throwing a temper tantrum is regressing to a childlike behavior when faced with not getting their way, which is a form of seeking comfort associated with earlier development. Choices A, B, and C do not exemplify regression. Blaming the teacher, becoming hysterical after a traumatic event, or seeking a partner similar to a beloved father are not instances of reverting to earlier developmental stages to cope with stress or conflict.
A nursing instructor is discussing diseases of adaptation with students and when they are likely to occur. Which student response indicates that learning has occurred?
- A. When an individual has limited experience managing stress
- B. When an individual inherits adaptive genes
- C. When an individual faces pre-existing conditions that worsen stress
- D. When an individual's physiological and psychological resources are depleted
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. During the stage of exhaustion in the general adaptation syndrome, an individual's physiological and psychological resources become depleted, leading to a reduced capacity to adapt effectively. This depletion of resources is when diseases of adaptation, such as stress-related disorders, are more likely to occur. Choices A, B, and C do not reflect an accurate understanding of diseases of adaptation. Limited experience managing stress, inheriting adaptive genes, and facing pre-existing conditions that worsen stress do not directly relate to the concept of physiological and psychological resource depletion leading to diseases of adaptation.
A distraught, single, first-time mother cries and asks a nurse, 'How can I go to work if I can't afford childcare?' What is the nurse's initial action in assisting the client with the problem-solving process?
- A. Determine the risks and benefits for each alternative.
- B. Formulate goals for resolution of the problem.
- C. Evaluate the outcome of the implemented alternative.
- D. Assess the facts of the situation.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse's initial step should be to assess the facts of the situation. By gathering accurate information about the client's circumstances, the nurse can better understand the problem and make informed decisions moving forward. This foundational assessment is crucial before proceeding to formulate goals, evaluate outcomes, or consider risks and benefits. Options A, B, and C involve steps that should follow the initial assessment of the situation, making them less suitable as the initial action in this context.
At what point should the nurse determine that a client is at risk for developing a mental disorder?
- A. When thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are not reflective of the DSM-5 criteria
- B. When maladaptive responses to stress are coupled with interference in daily functioning
- C. When the client communicates significant distress
- D. When the client uses defense mechanisms as ego protection
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse should determine that the client is at risk for mental disorder when responses to stress are maladaptive and interfere with daily functioning. The DSM-5 indicates that in order to be diagnosed with a mental disorder, there must be significant disturbance in cognition, emotion, regulation, or behavior that reflects a dysfunction in the psychological, biological or developmental processes underlying mental functioning. These disorders are usually associated with significant distress or disability in social, occupational, or other important activities. The client's ability to communicate distress would be considered a positive attribute.
When an individual's stress response is sustained over a long period of time, which physiological effect of the endocrine system should one anticipate?
- A. Decreased resistance to disease
- B. Increased libido
- C. Decreased blood pressure
- D. Increased inflammatory response
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When stress is prolonged, the body reaches the stage of exhaustion in the general adaptation syndrome, where compensatory mechanisms fail, and diseases of adaptation may occur. One physiological effect includes a decreased immune response, leading to decreased resistance to disease. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Increased libido (choice B) is not a typical physiological effect related to prolonged stress. Decreased blood pressure (choice C) is not commonly associated with sustained stress. Increased inflammatory response (choice D) may occur in the short term due to stress, but over a prolonged period, the immune system's function weakens, leading to decreased resistance to disease.