Which symptom should a healthcare provider identify as typical of the fight-or-flight response?
- A. Pupil dilation
- B. Increased heart rate
- C. Decreased salivation
- D. Decreased peristalsis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased heart rate. During the fight-or-flight response, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, causing the release of epinephrine. This hormone triggers an increase in heart rate to supply more blood to the muscles for a rapid response. Pupil dilation occurs to enhance vision in preparation for quick reactions. On the other hand, salivation and peristalsis decrease as the body prioritizes functions necessary for immediate action rather than digestion-related activities. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the typical physiological changes associated with the fight-or-flight response.
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A client is experiencing occasional feelings of sadness due to the recent death of a beloved pet. The client's appetite, sleep patterns, and daily routine have not changed. How should the nurse interpret the client's behaviors?
- A. The client's behaviors demonstrate mental illness in the form of depression.
- B. The client's behaviors are extensive, indicating the presence of mental illness.
- C. The client's behaviors are not congruent with cultural norms.
- D. The client's behaviors demonstrate no functional impairment, indicating no mental illness.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should interpret the client's behaviors as not indicative of mental illness. The client is experiencing normal feelings of sadness following the loss of a pet, and the fact that the client's appetite, sleep patterns, and daily routine remain unchanged suggests no functional impairment. It is essential to recognize that experiencing occasional feelings of sadness in response to a significant life event, such as the death of a pet, does not necessarily signify mental illness, especially when there is no significant impairment in daily functioning. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they incorrectly suggest that the client's behaviors indicate mental illness, which is not the case in this context.
While assessing a distraught female high school student who is overly concerned because her parents can't afford horseback riding lessons, how should the nurse interpret the student's reaction to her perceived problem?
- A. The problem is endangering her well-being.
- B. The problem is personally relevant to her.
- C. The problem is based on immaturity.
- D. The problem is exceeding her capacity to cope.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the student being overly concerned about not being able to afford horseback riding lessons indicates that the problem is personally relevant to her. Psychological stressors related to self-esteem and self-image are influenced by how an individual perceives a situation or event. Adolescents, in particular, place significance on self-image and feeling entitled to experiences that other adolescents have, which can lead to distress when such desires are not met. Choice A is incorrect because there is no indication that the student's physical well-being is at risk. Choice C is incorrect as it simplifies the issue by attributing it solely to immaturity. Choice D is incorrect as there is no evidence provided that the problem is beyond the student's coping abilities.
Which of the following is identified as a psychoneurotic response to severe anxiety as it appears in the DSM-5?
- A. Somatic symptom disorder
- B. Grief responses
- C. Psychosis
- D. Bipolar disorder
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Somatic symptom disorder. Somatic symptom disorder is characterized by preoccupation with physical symptoms for which there is no demonstrable organic pathology. One of the diagnostic criteria is a high level of anxiety about health concerns or illness. In the DSM-5, somatic symptom disorders are classified under the category of somatic symptom and related disorders, which encompass conditions where psychological factors play a significant role in the development, exacerbation, or maintenance of physical symptoms. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Grief responses, psychosis, and bipolar disorder are not specifically categorized as psychoneurotic responses to severe anxiety in the DSM-5.
A healthcare professional is conducting education on anxiety and stress management. Which of the following should be identified as the most important initial step in learning how to manage anxiety?
- A. Diagnostic blood tests
- B. Awareness of factors creating stress
- C. Relaxation exercises
- D. Identifying support systems
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Awareness of factors creating stress. In managing anxiety, the first crucial step is recognizing and being aware of the factors that contribute to stress. Without this awareness, it becomes challenging to effectively address and manage anxiety. Diagnostic blood tests are not typically the initial step in managing anxiety; they may be used to rule out other medical conditions but are not the primary focus. While relaxation exercises can be helpful in managing anxiety, understanding the root causes of stress takes precedence. Identifying support systems is important but comes after recognizing the stress factors to develop a comprehensive management plan.
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.