Research conducted by Miller and Rahe in 1997 demonstrated a correlation between the effects of life changes and illness, leading to the development of the Recent Life Changes Questionnaire (RLCQ). Which principle most limits the effectiveness of this tool?
- A. Specific illnesses are not identified.
- B. The numerical values associated with specific life events are randomly assigned.
- C. Stress is viewed as only a physiological response.
- D. Personal perception of the event is excluded.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The main limitation of the Recent Life Changes Questionnaire (RLCQ) is that it does not consider an individual's personal perception of a life event. As people may interpret events differently, their subjective perspective plays a crucial role in how they experience stress and its potential impact on their health. Ignoring personal perception limits the effectiveness of the tool as it fails to capture the variations in how people respond to life changes. Choices A, B, and C are not the main limitations of the RLCQ. Specific illnesses not being identified or numerical values being randomly assigned do not directly impact the personal perception of life events. Additionally, viewing stress as only a physiological response is not the primary limitation, as stress encompasses psychological and emotional components as well.
You may also like to solve these questions
During an intake assessment, a healthcare professional asks both physiological and psychosocial questions. The client angrily responds, 'I'm here for my heart, not my head problems.' What is the healthcare professional's best response?
- A. It's just a routine part of our assessment. All clients are asked these same questions.
- B. Why are you concerned about these types of questions?
- C. Psychological factors, like excessive stress, have been found to affect medical conditions.
- D. We can skip these questions, if you like. It isn't imperative that we complete this section.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The healthcare professional should educate the client on the negative effects of excessive stress on medical conditions. Understanding the interconnectedness of physical and mental health is crucial for providing holistic care. Choice A is incorrect because it doesn't address the importance of psychosocial aspects. Choice B is wrong as it doesn't provide relevant information about the impact of psychological factors on health. Choice D is incorrect because skipping questions would lead to an incomplete assessment, potentially missing crucial information affecting the client's overall health outcomes.
A new psychiatric nurse states, 'This client's use of defense mechanisms should be eliminated.' Which is a correct evaluation of this nurse's statement?
- A. Defense mechanisms can be self-protective responses to stress and need not be eliminated.
- B. Defense mechanisms are a maladaptive attempt by the ego to manage anxiety and should always be eliminated.
- C. Defense mechanisms, used by individuals with weak ego integrity, should be discouraged but not eliminated.
- D. Defense mechanisms cause disintegration of the ego and should be fostered and encouraged.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct evaluation is that defense mechanisms can be self-protective responses to stress and do not necessarily need to be eliminated. These mechanisms help individuals reduce anxiety during times of stress. It is crucial for the nurse to understand that defense mechanisms serve a purpose and can be a normal part of coping. However, if defense mechanisms significantly hinder the client's ability to develop healthy coping skills, they should be addressed and explored. Eliminating defense mechanisms entirely without considering the individual's overall coping strategies can be counterproductive and may lead to increased distress for the client. Choice B is incorrect because not all defense mechanisms are maladaptive; some can be adaptive and helpful. Choice C is incorrect because labeling individuals as having weak ego integrity based on their use of defense mechanisms is stigmatizing and oversimplified. Choice D is incorrect because fostering and encouraging defense mechanisms without differentiation can lead to maladaptive behaviors and reliance on these mechanisms instead of healthier coping strategies.
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.
Which statement about the concept of neuroses is most accurate?
- A. An individual experiencing neurosis is unaware of the distress they are experiencing.
- B. An individual experiencing neurosis feels helpless to change their situation.
- C. An individual experiencing neurosis is aware of psychological causes of their behavior.
- D. An individual experiencing neurosis has a loss of contact with reality.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Neurosis involves feelings of distress and anxiety, but individuals experiencing neurosis are usually aware of their distress and its causes. They may recognize that their behaviors are maladaptive and are generally in contact with reality. The accurate statement about neurosis is that an individual feels helpless to change their situation. Choice A is incorrect because individuals with neurosis are usually aware of their distress. Choice C is incorrect because while individuals may be aware of psychological causes, it is not the defining characteristic of neurosis. Choice D is incorrect because a loss of contact with reality is more characteristic of psychosis, not neurosis.
When interviewing a distressed client who was fired after 15 years of loyal employment, which of the following questions would best assist the nurse in determining the client's appraisal of the situation? Select the one that does not apply.
- A. What coping resources have you used previously in stressful situations?
- B. Have you ever faced a similar stressful situation before?
- C. Who do you think is to blame for this situation?
- D. What do you believe led to your termination from your job?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, it is crucial for the nurse to help the client assess their coping mechanisms and perspective on the situation. Questions A and B focus on exploring the client's coping resources and past experiences to guide them towards effective stress management. Asking who is to blame (choice C) is not conducive to evaluating coping abilities; instead, it might elicit a blame-focused response, which can impede progress. Choice D, inquiring about the reason for being fired, is a nontherapeutic approach that does not promote a constructive appraisal of the situation.