Deck 26: Stress and Coping

Question 1

The patient is severely injured in an accident but does not feel the pain until several hours afterward.Which type of hormone reduced the patient's sense of pain as part of the stress response?

A) Endorphins
B) Mineralocorticoids
C) Prostaglandins
D) Bradykinins

Answer 1

Endorphins

Question 2

The new mother experiences insomnia,irritability,and lack of appetite after several weeks in the neonatal care unit with her critically ill infant.Which stage of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS)is the new mother experiencing?

A) Alarm
B) Resistance
C) Adaptation
D) Exhaustion

Answer 2

Exhaustion

Question 3

A patient telephones a crisis intervention hotline.The nurse assigned to this center assesses that the patient is experiencing a crisis.What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?

A) Define the problem at hand and ensure that the patient is safe.
B) Take control of the situation and tell the patient what needs to be done.
C) Ask the patient how he would like to handle the crisis and follow through.
D) Ask the patient to list all of his problems and prioritize which to deal with first.

Answer 3

Define the problem at hand and ensure that the patient is safe.

Question 4

Which assessment finding is expected for a patient who was just chased by an attacker?

A) Blood sugar 45 mg/dL
B) Blood pressure 180/94
C) Pulse rate 55 beats/minute
D) Hyperactive bowel sounds

Question 5

A young child begins wetting the bed again after the parents bring home a new baby sister.Which ego-defense mechanism is used by the child?

A) Regression
B) Conversion
C) Identification
D) Compensation

Question 6

The patient's spouse is overwhelmed and exhausted trying to provide the ongoing care required by the patient.Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for the patient's spouse?

A) Activity intolerance related to fatigue and generalized weakness
B) Readiness for enhanced comfort related to change in personal health status
C) Caregiver role strain related to amount and complexity of patient health needs
D) Risk for compromised human dignity related to loss of control of bodily functions

Question 7

The patient refuses to believe the physician's diagnosis and insists on a second opinion from a specialist.Which ego-defense mechanism is used by the patient?

A) Denial
B) Dissociation
C) Deterioration
D) Displacement

Question 8

The young child cries and tries to run away when after being told that a flu shot is to be administered.Which term best describes the psychological reaction of the child?

A) Primary appraisal
B) Ineffective denial
C) Adventitious crisis
D) Developmental crisis

Question 9

Which interventions are appropriate to assist the patient who is exhausted and depressed from providing care to the spouse with advanced dementia?

A) Assist the patient to identify and utilize support systems.
B) Teach the patient how to maintain a sleep and activity log.
C) Arrange for intervals of respite care for the patient's spouse.
D) Help the patient to find personal time to rest and recuperate.
E) Educate the patient about advanced directive and living will options.

Question 10

The patient develops an inability to swallow after many years of emotional abuse.The physicians can find no medical reason for the patient's dysphagia.Which ego-defense mechanism is used by the patient?

A) Displacement
B) Dissociation
C) Compensation
D) Conversion

Question 11

Which situation demonstrates an allostatic stress load?

A) The nursing student uses meditation to cope with mild test anxiety.
B) The patient develops anaphylactic shock after being stung by a bee.
C) The nurse develops hypertension after working too many double shifts.
D) The patient's heart rate returns to normal after a painful procedure is completed.

Question 12

Which hormone is the most important factor for the physiological response to stress?

A) Cortisol
B) Glucagon
C) Histamine
D) Vasopressin

Question 13

The patient is frustrated after being treated poorly by providers due to lack of health insurance.Which type of factor is causing the stress for the patient?

A) Rational
B) Situational
C) Maturational
D) Sociocultural

Question 14

The nurse manager is overwhelmed as the unit prepares for an accreditation inspection.Which type of factor is causing the stress for the nurse manager?

A) Situational
B) Maturational
C) Sociocultural
D) Conventional

Question 15

Which intervention is appropriate for the nurse to reduce compassion fatigue?

A) Increase nursing responsibilities at work.
B) Hang out with co-workers when not at work.
C) Strengthen relationships outside of the hospital.
D) Take control over new areas at work to reduce stress.

Question 16

The new mother experiences insomnia,irritability,and lack of appetite after several weeks in the neonatal care unit with her critically ill infant.Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for the new mother?

A) Stress overload related to ongoing stress and worry about her critically ill infant
B) Chronic low self-esteem related to lack of success at beginning of motherhood
C) Disturbed sensory perception related to change in problem-solving abilities
D) Disturbed personal identity related to inability to distinguish day shift from night

Question 17

The patient is overwhelmed by the stresses of being a spouse,new parent,and full-time employee.The nurse encourages the patient to use a housekeeper,babysitter,friends,or relatives to help reduce personal responsibilities and obligations.Which stress-relieving technique was recommended for the patient?

A) Assertiveness training
B) Engaging support systems
C) Mindfulness stress reduction
D) Progressive muscle relaxation

Question 18

The patient concentrates on the mind-numbing details of the spouse's funeral to delay dealing with the overwhelming pain of the loss.Which ego-defense mechanism is used by the patient?

A) Conversion
B) Dissociation
C) Compensation
D) Reimbursement

Question 19

Which position is best suited for a nurse who preferred to study until the early hours of the morning during nursing school?

A) Full-time 8-hour day/evening rotation
B) Part-time 12-hour day/night rotation position
C) Full-time 12-hour night position
D) Full-time 8-hour day position

Question 20

The nurse is caring for a patient who has just been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).Which assessment findings justify the diagnosis of ineffective denial related to fear of loss of body function and death for the patient?

A) The patient attempts to hide shortness of breath from the nurse.
B) The patient has fallen twice after insisting that a walker is not needed.
C) The patient uses a gastrostomy tube for nutrition when unable to swallow.
D) The patient attends support group meetings for families and patients with ALS.
E) The patient insists that an uneven sidewalk caused a fall rather than leg weakness.