Physiological and Psychological Responses to Stress - Mental Health

A nurse is caring for a client who has been newly diagnosed with a terminal illness and is experiencing significant stress. The client states, "Do you think a prayer would help?" Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

"You may find prayer gives comfort and lowers your stress."

A nurse is caring for a client who was in a motor-vehicle crash. The client states, "I had to get home before 6pm so I had to drive really fast." Which of the following defense mechanisms is the client exhibiting?

Rationalization

A nurse is discussing risk factors of negative stress responses with a group of clients. The nurse should include which of the following risk factors in the discussion?

- temperament - interpersonal violence - health behaviors

A nurse is caring for a client who states, "When I am stressed at work, I can't help coming home and arguing with my partner." The nurse should recognize that the client is exhibiting which of the following defense machanisms?

Displacement

A nurse is teaching a client who is afraid of heights and is planning to drive across a high bridge. The nurse should identify that which of the following structures stimulates the automatic nervous system?

Hypothalamus

A nurse is providing care to a client who was recently involved in a motor-vehicle crash. The nurse should identify that the client is in the moderate stage of anxiety based on which of the following behaviors?

Practicing deep breathing with the nurse

A nurse is providing care to a client whose partner recently died. The client asks, "Do you think medication helps with stress?" Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

"You may find medication gives comfort and lowers your stress."

A nurse is providing teaching abt stress with a client. The nurse should identify that which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

"My attitude abt my stressor can influence my coping."

A nurse is discussing individual and environmental factors of stress response with a group of newly licensed nurses. The nurse should include which of the following as individual factors?

- perception - temperament - lifestyle

A nurse is assessing a client who attempted to die by suicide. The client is currently undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy. Which of the following statements by the client indicates that the therapy has been effective?

"I guess I am fortunate to have survived my suicide attempt."

A nurse is caring for a client who states, "My cardiologist told me that I need to reduce stress. What is the best way for me to do that?" Which of the following responses should the nurse make first?

"Tell me more abt the stressors that you are facing in your life."

A nurse is educating a group of clients on the concept of hardiness. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

"The foundation of hardiness is a positive self-perception and attitudes of hopefulness."

A nurse is caring for a client in a clinic. The client states, "I am overwhelmed by stress." Which of the following should the nurse identify as the highest priority question to ask the client?

"What kinds of things do you find helpful for coping with your stress?"

A nurse is leading a group of clients in an outpatient setting. The nurse should recognize which of the following client statements is an example of a maladaptive defense mechanism?

"When my partner yells at the dogs I run and hide, but I don't know why I do that."

A nurse is facilitating a group session on adaptive defense mechanisms. The nurse should identify which of the following client statements as examples of adaptive defense machanisms?

- "When I get stressed out, I like to go to the gym." - "I volunteer at a local substance use help group."

A nurse is lading a group of clients who are using the Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory Scale to self-assess stressors in their life. Which of the following findings indicates the highest degree of stress?

A client who is returning to college following the loss of their job.

A nurse is caring for client who has a history of anxiety and hypertension. The nurse should recommend which of the following relaxation techniques for the client?

Biofeedback

A nurse is caring for a client who states, "I am so stressed over my upcoming reunion because I am not as successful as most of my classmates." The nurse should consult a therapist for the client to start which of the following therapies?

Cognitive reframing

A nurse is caring for a client who has emphysema and recently reduced their level of activity because they fear developing dyspnea. When teaching the client to use guided imagery, which of the following should the nurse encourage the client to visualize?

Dangling feet in a pool and taking regular deep breaths

A nurse is teaching a client abt potential risks of chronic stress. Which of the following conditions should the nurse include as a potential risk?

Diabetes

A nurse is caring for a client who is exhibiting hypervigilance and restlessness. The client states, "I need to figure a way out of this mess." The nurse should recognize that the client is most likely in which of the following stages of anxiety?

Mild

A nurse in a mental health clinic is observing a client in the day room. The nurse should identify which of the following actions by the client as a maladaptive defense mechanism?

The client tells another client that all of the therapists are mean.

A nurse is planning education for a group of teachers on personality traits. Which of the following traits describe a student who is eager to learn?

Openness

A nurse is caring for a client who is exhibiting manifestations of anxiety. Which of the following manifestations would the nurse expect to see increase during the client's flight or fight response?

- blood pressure - heart rate - respiratory rate - pupillary response

A nurse is teaching abt physiological responses to stress with a group of clients. The nurse should include which of the following short-term physiological changes in the teaching?

- increase in muscular tension, blood pressure, and triglycerides - increase in heart rate and respiratory rate - corticosteroid release increases stamina and impedes digestion - cortisol release increases gluconeogenesis and reduces fluid loss

A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing chronic stress. Which of the following does the nurse anticipate that the client will report?

- increased anxiety - recurring sinus infections - feeling of depression

A nurse is caring for a client undergoing a procedure and encourages the client to imagine themselves lying on the beach. Which of the following coping styles is the nurse suggesting?

Guided imagery