NURS 105: PSYCH WEEK 1
READING NOTES (CH. 7,8,9 & 17)
Discussions with Complete
Explanations | 2025/2026
Document Contains
➢ Chapter 7: Clients Response to Illness pg.-- 2
➢ Chapter 8: Assessment pg. --- 8
➢ Chapter 9: Legal and Ethical Issues pg. --- 14
➢ Chapter 17: Mood Disorders and Suicide Pg. ---- 19
1
, 2
Chapter 7: Clients Response to Illness
Learning, Objectives:
Discuss the influences of age, growth, and development on a
client's response to illness:
● A person’s age impacts their ability to cope with illness. For example,
younger individuals with schizophrenia tend to have poorer outcomes
because they lack independent living experience and a well-developed
sense of identity. Developmental stages, as per Erikson’s theory, shape
responses to stress and illness. If an individual has unresolved
developmental conflicts (e.g., failure to develop trust or autonomy), they
may struggle with coping mechanisms, leading to difficulties in illness
management.
○ Ex. A 19-year-old college student diagnosed with schizophrenia may
have difficulty adjusting because they have not yet developed full
independence or coping skills.
○ Ex. A 70-year-old man with major depression may struggle more due
to social isolation and health issues like chronic pain.
Identify the roles that biologic makeup and physical health play
in a client's emotional responses.
2
, 3
● Genetics and biologic factors play a role in a person’s predisposition to
mental illnesses.
Hereditary links have been found in conditions like bipolar disorder and
major depression. Additionally, physical health affects coping ability—those
with good nutrition, adequate sleep, and regular exercise tend to manage
stress better. Genetic variations also influence drug metabolism, impacting
the effectiveness of psychotropic medications.
○ Ex. A patient with chronic pain due to arthritis may develop
depression due to ongoing discomfort and limited mobility.
○ Ex. patient with a family history of bipolar disorder may have a
higher risk of developing the condition.
Explain the importance of personal characteristics, such as self-
efficacy, hardiness, resilience, resourcefulness, and spirituality,
in a client’s response to stressors.
● Self-efficacy: Individuals with high self-efficacy believe they can influence
their lives positively and are more proactive in coping.
○ Ex. A woman diagnosed with breast cancer believes she can handle
chemotherapy and actively seeks support groups and treatment
options, leading to better mental health outcomes.
● Hardiness: Resilient individuals view stressors as challenges rather than
threats, which can protect against illness.
○ Example: A firefighter who experiences trauma at work but views it
as part of the job and uses healthy coping strategies like exercise and
peer support.
3
READING NOTES (CH. 7,8,9 & 17)
Discussions with Complete
Explanations | 2025/2026
Document Contains
➢ Chapter 7: Clients Response to Illness pg.-- 2
➢ Chapter 8: Assessment pg. --- 8
➢ Chapter 9: Legal and Ethical Issues pg. --- 14
➢ Chapter 17: Mood Disorders and Suicide Pg. ---- 19
1
, 2
Chapter 7: Clients Response to Illness
Learning, Objectives:
Discuss the influences of age, growth, and development on a
client's response to illness:
● A person’s age impacts their ability to cope with illness. For example,
younger individuals with schizophrenia tend to have poorer outcomes
because they lack independent living experience and a well-developed
sense of identity. Developmental stages, as per Erikson’s theory, shape
responses to stress and illness. If an individual has unresolved
developmental conflicts (e.g., failure to develop trust or autonomy), they
may struggle with coping mechanisms, leading to difficulties in illness
management.
○ Ex. A 19-year-old college student diagnosed with schizophrenia may
have difficulty adjusting because they have not yet developed full
independence or coping skills.
○ Ex. A 70-year-old man with major depression may struggle more due
to social isolation and health issues like chronic pain.
Identify the roles that biologic makeup and physical health play
in a client's emotional responses.
2
, 3
● Genetics and biologic factors play a role in a person’s predisposition to
mental illnesses.
Hereditary links have been found in conditions like bipolar disorder and
major depression. Additionally, physical health affects coping ability—those
with good nutrition, adequate sleep, and regular exercise tend to manage
stress better. Genetic variations also influence drug metabolism, impacting
the effectiveness of psychotropic medications.
○ Ex. A patient with chronic pain due to arthritis may develop
depression due to ongoing discomfort and limited mobility.
○ Ex. patient with a family history of bipolar disorder may have a
higher risk of developing the condition.
Explain the importance of personal characteristics, such as self-
efficacy, hardiness, resilience, resourcefulness, and spirituality,
in a client’s response to stressors.
● Self-efficacy: Individuals with high self-efficacy believe they can influence
their lives positively and are more proactive in coping.
○ Ex. A woman diagnosed with breast cancer believes she can handle
chemotherapy and actively seeks support groups and treatment
options, leading to better mental health outcomes.
● Hardiness: Resilient individuals view stressors as challenges rather than
threats, which can protect against illness.
○ Example: A firefighter who experiences trauma at work but views it
as part of the job and uses healthy coping strategies like exercise and
peer support.
3
