Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
11th Edition
Author(s)Karyn Morgan
TEST BANK
Question 1
A nursing student asks the instructor about the concept of
stress adaptation. Which statement by the instructor best
describes stress as a transaction between the individual and the
environment?
A. Stress occurs only when a physiologic response is activated.
B. Stress is determined solely by the intensity of the external
event.
C. Stress results from the individual’s perception of and
,response to environmental demands.
D. Stress develops only when an event is perceived as negative.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
• Stress as a transactional process involves the interaction
between the individual and the environment, including the
person’s perception, appraisal, and coping ability.
• Option A is incorrect because stress includes more than
physiologic reactions.
• Option B is incorrect because personal interpretation
influences stress perception.
• Option D is incorrect because positive events may also
produce stress responses.
Source:
Davis Advantage for Townsend's Psychiatric Mental Health
Nursing, 11th Edition — Chapter 1: The Concept of Stress
Adaptation
Question 2
A nurse is caring for a client who reports chronic work-related
stress. Which physiologic finding is most consistent with
activation of the sympathetic nervous system during the stress
response?
,A. Decreased heart rate
B. Increased blood glucose levels
C. Constricted pupils
D. Increased gastrointestinal motility
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
• Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system,
increasing blood glucose to provide energy for the fight-or-
flight response.
• Option A is incorrect because heart rate typically
increases.
• Option C is incorrect because pupils usually dilate.
• Option D is incorrect because gastrointestinal activity
decreases during stress.
Source:
Davis Advantage for Townsend's Psychiatric Mental Health
Nursing, 11th Edition — Chapter 1: The Concept of Stress
Adaptation
Question 3
A client states, “Ever since losing my job, I cannot sleep or
concentrate.” Which nursing response best demonstrates
understanding of stress as an environmental event?
, A. “Your reaction is unrelated to the job loss.”
B. “Environmental changes can act as stressors that affect
functioning.”
C. “Only physical illness can produce this type of stress
response.”
D. “Stress affects everyone in exactly the same way.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
• Environmental stressors such as job loss may disrupt
psychological and physiologic functioning.
• Option A dismisses the client’s experience.
• Option C is incorrect because psychosocial events may also
trigger stress responses.
• Option D is incorrect because responses to stress vary
among individuals.
Source:
Davis Advantage for Townsend's Psychiatric Mental Health
Nursing, 11th Edition — Chapter 1: The Concept of Stress
Adaptation
Question 4
A nurse assesses a client experiencing prolonged stress. Which
finding should the nurse identify as characteristic of the
exhaustion stage of the general adaptation syndrome?