Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
11th Edition
Author(s)Karyn Morgan
TEST BANK
Question 1
A nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about Hans
Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS). Which statement
by a student indicates understanding of the alarm reaction
stage?
A. “The body attempts to adapt to prolonged stress.”
B. “Physiological responses are activated to prepare for fight or
flight.”
C. “Stress-related illnesses occur because adaptive energy is
,depleted.”
D. “The individual no longer recognizes the stressor.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
• The alarm reaction stage is the initial response to stress in
which the sympathetic nervous system activates the fight-
or-flight response.
• Option A describes the resistance stage.
• Option C describes the exhaustion stage.
• Option D is inaccurate because the stressor is still
recognized during the alarm stage.
Source:
Davis Advantage for Townsend's Psychiatric Mental Health
Nursing, 11th Edition — Chapter 1: The Concept of Stress
Adaptation
Question 2
A client reports difficulty sleeping, headaches, and irritability
after losing employment 2 weeks ago. Which interpretation by
the nurse best reflects stress as an environmental event?
A. “Your symptoms result from subconscious conflicts.”
B. “The job loss is acting as an external stressor.”
,C. “Your response depends solely on inherited traits.”
D. “Your reaction means you are unable to adapt.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
• Stress as an environmental event views stressors as
external demands or changes that require adaptation.
• Option A focuses on psychodynamic theory rather than
environmental stress.
• Option C ignores the influence of external events.
• Option D is judgmental and inaccurate because stress
responses vary among individuals.
Source:
Davis Advantage for Townsend's Psychiatric Mental Health
Nursing, 11th Edition — Chapter 1: The Concept of Stress
Adaptation
Question 3
A nurse assesses a client who recently experienced a divorce.
Which finding best demonstrates adaptive coping?
A. Increased alcohol consumption to aid sleep
B. Refusal to discuss feelings related to the divorce
C. Seeking support from trusted friends and family
D. Social isolation to avoid emotional discomfort
, Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
• Seeking social support is considered an adaptive coping
strategy that promotes healthy stress management.
• Options A, B, and D reflect maladaptive coping behaviors
that may worsen stress responses.
Source:
Davis Advantage for Townsend's Psychiatric Mental Health
Nursing, 11th Edition — Chapter 1: The Concept of Stress
Adaptation
Question 4
A nursing instructor discusses the transactional model of stress
and adaptation. Which statement by a student best reflects this
concept?
A. “Stress occurs only when physiological symptoms develop.”
B. “All people react identically to stressful situations.”
C. “Stress depends on how a person perceives and responds to
an event.”
D. “Stress is caused exclusively by environmental change.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: