NURS 260 EXAM 1 - 2204 HISTORICAL AND THEORETICAL
CONCEPTS QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS GRADED A++
A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing occasional feelings of sadness
because of 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 which indicates 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.
ANS: D
The nurse should assess that the client's daily functioning is not impaired. The client
who experiences feelings of sadness after the loss of a pet is responding within normal
expectations. Without significant impairment, the client's distress does not indicate a
mental illness.
At what point should the nurse determine that a client is at risk for developing a
mental illness?
,A. When thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are not reflective of the DSM-IV-TR
criteria
B. When maladaptive responses to stress are coupled with interference in daily
functioning
C. When a client communicates significant distress
D. When a client uses defense mechanisms as ego protection
ANS: B
The nurse should determine that the client is at risk for mental illness when responses
to stress are maladaptive and interfere with daily functioning. The DSM-IV-TR indicates
that in order to be diagnosed with a mental illness, daily functioning must be significantly
impaired. The client's ability to communicate distress would be considered a positive
attribute.
A nurse is assessing a set of 15-year-old identical twins who respond very
differently to stress. One twin becomes anxious and irritable, while the other
withdraws and cries. How should the nurse explain these different responses to
stress to the parents?
A. Reactions to stress are relative rather than absolute; individual responses to
stress vary.
B. It is abnormal for identical twins to react differently to similar stressors.
C. Identical twins should share the same temperament and respond similarly to
stress.
, D. Environmental influences to stress weigh more heavily than genetic
influences.
ANS: A
The nurse should explain to the parents that although the twins have identical DNA,
there are several other factors that affect reactions to stress. Mental health is a state of
being that is relative to the individual client. Environmental influences and temperament
can affect stress reactions.
A client has a history of excessive drinking which has led to multiple driving
under the influence (DUI) arrests. The client states, "I work hard to provide for my
family. I don't see why I can't drink to relax." The nurse recognizes the use of
which defense mechanism?
A. Projection
B. Rationalization
C. Regression
D. Sublimation
ANS: B
The nurse should recognize that the client is using rationalization, a common defense
mechanism. The client is attempting to make excuses and create logical reasons to
justify unacceptable feelings or behaviors.
Which client should the nurse anticipate to be most receptive to psychiatric
treatment?
CONCEPTS QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS GRADED A++
A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing occasional feelings of sadness
because of 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 which indicates 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.
ANS: D
The nurse should assess that the client's daily functioning is not impaired. The client
who experiences feelings of sadness after the loss of a pet is responding within normal
expectations. Without significant impairment, the client's distress does not indicate a
mental illness.
At what point should the nurse determine that a client is at risk for developing a
mental illness?
,A. When thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are not reflective of the DSM-IV-TR
criteria
B. When maladaptive responses to stress are coupled with interference in daily
functioning
C. When a client communicates significant distress
D. When a client uses defense mechanisms as ego protection
ANS: B
The nurse should determine that the client is at risk for mental illness when responses
to stress are maladaptive and interfere with daily functioning. The DSM-IV-TR indicates
that in order to be diagnosed with a mental illness, daily functioning must be significantly
impaired. The client's ability to communicate distress would be considered a positive
attribute.
A nurse is assessing a set of 15-year-old identical twins who respond very
differently to stress. One twin becomes anxious and irritable, while the other
withdraws and cries. How should the nurse explain these different responses to
stress to the parents?
A. Reactions to stress are relative rather than absolute; individual responses to
stress vary.
B. It is abnormal for identical twins to react differently to similar stressors.
C. Identical twins should share the same temperament and respond similarly to
stress.
, D. Environmental influences to stress weigh more heavily than genetic
influences.
ANS: A
The nurse should explain to the parents that although the twins have identical DNA,
there are several other factors that affect reactions to stress. Mental health is a state of
being that is relative to the individual client. Environmental influences and temperament
can affect stress reactions.
A client has a history of excessive drinking which has led to multiple driving
under the influence (DUI) arrests. The client states, "I work hard to provide for my
family. I don't see why I can't drink to relax." The nurse recognizes the use of
which defense mechanism?
A. Projection
B. Rationalization
C. Regression
D. Sublimation
ANS: B
The nurse should recognize that the client is using rationalization, a common defense
mechanism. The client is attempting to make excuses and create logical reasons to
justify unacceptable feelings or behaviors.
Which client should the nurse anticipate to be most receptive to psychiatric
treatment?
