Test Bank - Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing by Mary Townsend (9th Edition, 2017) 1
Table of Contents
Table of Contents 1
Chapter 01. The Concept of Stress Adaptation 2
Chapter 02. Mental Health/Mental Illness: Historical and Theoretical Concepts 9
Chapter 03. Psychopharmacology 20
Chapter 04. Concepts of Psychobiology 28
Chapter 05. Ethical and Legal Issues in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing 37
Chapter 06. Cultural and Spiritual Concepts Relevant to Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing
47
Chapter 07. Relationship Development 54
Chapter 08. Therapeutic Communication 62
Chapter 09. The Nursing Process in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing 74
Chapter 10. Therapeutic Groups 85
Chapter 11. Intervention With Families 93
Chapter 12. Milieu Therapy - The Therapeutic Community 99
Chapter 13. Crisis Intervention 104
Chapter 14. Assertiveness Training 109
Chapter 15. Promoting Self-Esteem 117
Chapter 16. Anger/Aggression Management 123
Chapter 17. The Suicidal Client 130
Chapter 18. Behavior Therapy 139
Chapter 19. Cognitive Therapy 146
Chapter 20. Electroconvulsive Therapy 155
Chapter 21. The Recovery Model 162
Chapter 22. Neurocognitive Disorders 169
Chapter 23. Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders 175
Chapter 24. Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders 186
Chapter 25. Depressive Disorders 197
Chapter 26. Bipolar and Related Disorders 208
Chapter 27. Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive, and Related Disorders 219
Chapter 28: Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders 230
Chapter 29. Somatic Symptom and Dissociative Disorders 238
Chapter 30. Issues Related to Human Sexuality and Gender Dysphoria 244
Chapter 31. Eating Disorders 249
Chapter 32. Personality Disorders 257
Chapter 33. Children and Adolescents 269
Chapter 34. The Aging Individual 279
Chapter 35. Survivors of Abuse or Neglect 284
Chapter 36. Community Mental Health Nursing 290
Chapter 37. The Bereaved Individual 297
Chapter 38. Military Families 302
,Test Bank - Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing by Mary Townsend (9th Edition, 2017) 2
Chapter 01. The Concept of Stress Adaptation
Multiple Choice
1. A client has experienced the death of a close family member and at the same time becomes unemployed.
This situation has resulted in a 6-month score of 110 on the Recent Life Changes Questionnaire. How should
the nurse evaluate this client data?
A. The client is experiencing severe distress and is at risk for physical and psychological illness.
B. A score of 110 on the Miller and Rahe Recent Life Changes Questionnaire indicates no significant threat of
stress-related illness.
C. Susceptibility to stress-related physical or psychological illness cannot be estimated without knowledge of
coping resources and available supports.
D. The client may view these losses as challenges and perceive them as opportunities.
ANS: C
The Recent Life Changes Questionnaire is an expanded version of the Schedule of Recent Experiences and the
Rahe-Holmes Social Readjustment Rating Scale. A 6-month score of 300 or more, or a year-score total of 500
or more, indicates high stress in a clients life. However, positive coping mechanisms and strong social support
can limit susceptibility to stress-related illnesses.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
2. A physically and emotionally healthy client has just been fired. During a routine office visit he states to a
nurse: Perhaps this was the best thing to happen. Maybe Ill look into pursuing an art degree. How should the
nurse characterize the clients appraisal of the job loss stressor?
A. Irrelevant
B. Harm/loss
C. Threatening
D. Challenging
ANS: D
The client perceives the situation of job loss as a challenge and an opportunity for growth.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
3. Which client statement should alert a nurse that a client may be responding maladaptively to stress?
A. Ive found that avoiding contact with others helps me cope.
B. I really enjoy journaling; its my private time.
C. I signed up for a yoga class this week.
D. I made an appointment to meet with a therapist.
ANS: A
Reliance on social isolation as a coping mechanism is a maladaptive method to relieve stress. It can prevent
learning appropriate coping skills and can prevent access to needed support systems.
,Test Bank - Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing by Mary Townsend (9th Edition, 2017) 3
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
4. A nursing student finds that she comes down with a sinus infection toward the end of every semester. When
this occurs, which stage of stress is the student most likely experiencing?
A. Alarm reaction stage
B. Stage of resistance
C. Stage of exhaustion
D. Fight-or-flight stage
ANS: C
At the stage of exhaustion, the students exposure to stress has been prolonged and adaptive energy has been
depleted. Diseases of adaptation occur more frequently in this stage.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
5. A school nurse is assessing a female high school student who is overly concerned about her appearance. The
clients mother states, Thats not something to be stressed about! Which is the most appropriate nursing
response?
A. Teenagers! They dont know a thing about real stress.
B. Stress occurs only when there is a loss.
C. When you are in poor physical condition, you cant experience psychological well-being.
D. Stress can be psychological. A threat to self-esteem may result in high stress levels.
ANS: D
Stress can be physical or psychological in nature. A perceived threat to self-esteem can be as stressful as a
physiological change.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
6. A bright student confides in the school nurse about conflicts related to attending college or working to add
needed financial support to the family. Which coping strategy is most appropriate for the nurse to recommend
to the student at this time?
A. Meditation
B. Problem-solving training
C. Relaxation
D. Journaling
ANS: B
The student must assess his or her situation and determine the best course of action. Problem-solving training,
by providing structure and objectivity, can assist in decision making.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
,Test Bank - Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing by Mary Townsend (9th Edition, 2017) 4
7. An unemployed college graduate is experiencing severe anxiety over not finding a teaching position and has
difficulty with independent problem-solving. During a routine physical examination, the graduate confides in
the clinic nurse. Which is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
A. Encourage the student to use the alternative coping mechanism of relaxation exercises.
B. Complete the problem-solving process for the client.
C. Work through the problem-solving process with the client.
D. Encourage the client to keep a journal.
ANS: C
During times of high anxiety and stress, clients will need more assistance in problem-solving and decision
making.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
8. A school nurse is assessing a distraught female high school student who is overly concerned because her
parents cant afford horseback riding lessons. How should the nurse interpret the students reaction to her
perceived problem?
A. The problem is endangering her well-being.
B. The problem is personally relevant to her.
C. The problem is based on immaturity.
D. The problem is exceeding her capacity to cope.
ANS: B
Psychological stressors to self-esteem and self-image are related to how the individual perceives the situation
or event. Self-image is of particular importance to adolescents, who feel entitled to have all the advantages that
other adolescents experience.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
9. Meditation has been shown to be an effective stress management technique. When meditation is effective,
what should a nurse expect to assess?
A. An achieved state of relaxation
B. An achieved insight into ones feelings
C. A demonstration of appropriate role behaviors
D. An enhanced ability to problem-solve
ANS: A
Meditation produces relaxation by creating a special state of consciousness through focused concentration.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
10. A distraught, single, first-time mother cries and asks a nurse, How can I go to work if I cant afford
childcare? What is the nurses initial action in assisting the client with the problem-solving process?
,Test Bank - Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing by Mary Townsend (9th Edition, 2017) 5
A. Determine the risks and benefits for each alternative.
B. Formulate goals for resolution of the problem.
C. Evaluate the outcome of the implemented alternative.
D. Assess the facts of the situation.
ANS: D
Before any other steps can be taken, accurate information about the situation must be gathered and assessed.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
11. A nursing instructor is asking students about diseases of adaptation and when they are likely to occur.
Which student response indicates that learning has occurred?
A. When an individual has limited experience dealing with stress
B. When an individual inherits maladaptive genes
C. When an individual experiences existing conditions that exacerbate stress
D. When an individuals physiological and psychological resources have become depleted
ANS: D
During the stage of exhaustion of the general adaptation syndrome, the individual loses the capacity to adapt
effectively because physiological and psychological resources have become depleted. This is the time when
diseases of adaptation may occur.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need:
Health Promotion and Maintenance
12. When an individuals stress response is sustained over a long period of time, which physiological effect of
the endocrine system should a nurse anticipate?
A. Decreased resistance to disease
B. Increased libido
C. Decreased blood pressure
D. Increased inflammatory response
ANS: A
In a general adaptation syndrome, prolonged exposure to stress leads to the stage of exhaustion at which time
the bodys compensatory mechanisms no longer function effectively and diseases of adaptation occur. A
decreased immune response is seen at this stage.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need:
Physiological Integrity
13. Which symptom should a nurse identify as typical of the fight-or-flight response?
A. Pupil constriction
B. Increased heart rate
,Test Bank - Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing by Mary Townsend (9th Edition, 2017) 6
C. Increased salivation
D. Increased peristalsis
ANS: B
During the fight-or-flight response, the heart rate increases in response to the release of epinephrine. Pupils
dilate to enhance vision. Salivation and peristalsis decrease as the body slows unessential functions. OK
KEY: Cognitive Level: Comprehension | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need:
Physiological Integrity
14. A nurse is evaluating a clients response to stress. What would indicate to the nurse that the client is
experiencing a secondary appraisal of the stressful event?
A. When the individual judges the event to be benign
B. When the individual judges the event to be irrelevant
C. When the individual judges the resources and skills needed to deal with the event
D. When the individual judges the event to be pleasurable
ANS: C
When the individual judges the resources and skills needed to deal with the event, the individual is conducting
a secondary appraisal. There are three types of primary appraisals: irrelevant, benign-positive, and stressful.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
15. Research undertaken by Miller and Rahe in 1997 demonstrated a correlation between the effects of life
change and illness. This research led to the development of the Recent Life Changes Questionnaire (RLCQ).
Which principle most limits the effectiveness of this tool?
A. Specific illnesses are not identified.
B. The numerical values associated with specific life events are randomly assigned
C. Stress is viewed as only a physiological response.
D. Personal perception of the event is excluded.
ANS: D
Individuals differ in response to life events. The RLCQ uses a scale that does not take these differences into
consideration.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need:
Health Promotion and Maintenance
16. A client who experiences stress on a regular basis asks a nurse what causes these feelings. Which is the
most appropriate nursing response?
A. Genetics have nothing to do with your temperament.
B. How you reacted to past experiences influences how you feel now.
C. If youre in good physical health, your stress level will be low.
D. Stress can always be avoided if appropriate coping mechanisms are employed.
, Test Bank - Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing by Mary Townsend (9th Edition, 2017) 7
ANS: B
Past experiences are occurrences that result in learned patterns that can influence an individuals current
adaptation response. They include previous exposure to the stressor or other stressors in general, learned
coping responses, and degree of adaptation to previous stressors.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
Multiple Response
17. A nurse is interviewing a distressed client, who relates being fired after 15 years of loyal employment.
Which of the following questions would best assist the nurse to determine the clients appraisal of the situation?
Select all that apply.
A. What resources have you used previously in stressful situations?
B. Have you ever experienced a similar stressful situation?
C. Who do you think is to blame for this situation?
D. Why do you think you were fired from your job?
E. What skills do you possess that might lead to gainful employment?
ANS: A, B, E
These questions specifically address the clients coping resources and encourage the client to apply learning
from past experiences. These questions also encourage the client to consider alternative methods for dealing
with stress. Asking who is to blame does not assess coping abilities but, rather, encourages maladaptive
behavior. Requesting an explanation is a nontherapeutic block to communication.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
18. A nurse is working with a client who has recently been under a great deal of stress. Which nursing
recommendations would be most helpful when assisting the client in coping with stress? Select all that apply.
A. Enjoy a pet.
B. Spend time with a loved one.
C. Listen to music.
D. Focus on the stressors.
E. Journal your feelings.
ANS: A, B, C, E
Focusing on the stressors is more likely to increase stress in the clients life. However, pets, music, journaling
feelings, and healthy relationships have all been shown to decrease amounts of stress.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
19. A nurse is conducting education on anxiety and stress management. Which of the following should be
identified as the most important initial step in learning how to manage anxiety?
A. Diagnostic blood tests
Table of Contents
Table of Contents 1
Chapter 01. The Concept of Stress Adaptation 2
Chapter 02. Mental Health/Mental Illness: Historical and Theoretical Concepts 9
Chapter 03. Psychopharmacology 20
Chapter 04. Concepts of Psychobiology 28
Chapter 05. Ethical and Legal Issues in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing 37
Chapter 06. Cultural and Spiritual Concepts Relevant to Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing
47
Chapter 07. Relationship Development 54
Chapter 08. Therapeutic Communication 62
Chapter 09. The Nursing Process in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing 74
Chapter 10. Therapeutic Groups 85
Chapter 11. Intervention With Families 93
Chapter 12. Milieu Therapy - The Therapeutic Community 99
Chapter 13. Crisis Intervention 104
Chapter 14. Assertiveness Training 109
Chapter 15. Promoting Self-Esteem 117
Chapter 16. Anger/Aggression Management 123
Chapter 17. The Suicidal Client 130
Chapter 18. Behavior Therapy 139
Chapter 19. Cognitive Therapy 146
Chapter 20. Electroconvulsive Therapy 155
Chapter 21. The Recovery Model 162
Chapter 22. Neurocognitive Disorders 169
Chapter 23. Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders 175
Chapter 24. Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders 186
Chapter 25. Depressive Disorders 197
Chapter 26. Bipolar and Related Disorders 208
Chapter 27. Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive, and Related Disorders 219
Chapter 28: Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders 230
Chapter 29. Somatic Symptom and Dissociative Disorders 238
Chapter 30. Issues Related to Human Sexuality and Gender Dysphoria 244
Chapter 31. Eating Disorders 249
Chapter 32. Personality Disorders 257
Chapter 33. Children and Adolescents 269
Chapter 34. The Aging Individual 279
Chapter 35. Survivors of Abuse or Neglect 284
Chapter 36. Community Mental Health Nursing 290
Chapter 37. The Bereaved Individual 297
Chapter 38. Military Families 302
,Test Bank - Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing by Mary Townsend (9th Edition, 2017) 2
Chapter 01. The Concept of Stress Adaptation
Multiple Choice
1. A client has experienced the death of a close family member and at the same time becomes unemployed.
This situation has resulted in a 6-month score of 110 on the Recent Life Changes Questionnaire. How should
the nurse evaluate this client data?
A. The client is experiencing severe distress and is at risk for physical and psychological illness.
B. A score of 110 on the Miller and Rahe Recent Life Changes Questionnaire indicates no significant threat of
stress-related illness.
C. Susceptibility to stress-related physical or psychological illness cannot be estimated without knowledge of
coping resources and available supports.
D. The client may view these losses as challenges and perceive them as opportunities.
ANS: C
The Recent Life Changes Questionnaire is an expanded version of the Schedule of Recent Experiences and the
Rahe-Holmes Social Readjustment Rating Scale. A 6-month score of 300 or more, or a year-score total of 500
or more, indicates high stress in a clients life. However, positive coping mechanisms and strong social support
can limit susceptibility to stress-related illnesses.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
2. A physically and emotionally healthy client has just been fired. During a routine office visit he states to a
nurse: Perhaps this was the best thing to happen. Maybe Ill look into pursuing an art degree. How should the
nurse characterize the clients appraisal of the job loss stressor?
A. Irrelevant
B. Harm/loss
C. Threatening
D. Challenging
ANS: D
The client perceives the situation of job loss as a challenge and an opportunity for growth.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
3. Which client statement should alert a nurse that a client may be responding maladaptively to stress?
A. Ive found that avoiding contact with others helps me cope.
B. I really enjoy journaling; its my private time.
C. I signed up for a yoga class this week.
D. I made an appointment to meet with a therapist.
ANS: A
Reliance on social isolation as a coping mechanism is a maladaptive method to relieve stress. It can prevent
learning appropriate coping skills and can prevent access to needed support systems.
,Test Bank - Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing by Mary Townsend (9th Edition, 2017) 3
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
4. A nursing student finds that she comes down with a sinus infection toward the end of every semester. When
this occurs, which stage of stress is the student most likely experiencing?
A. Alarm reaction stage
B. Stage of resistance
C. Stage of exhaustion
D. Fight-or-flight stage
ANS: C
At the stage of exhaustion, the students exposure to stress has been prolonged and adaptive energy has been
depleted. Diseases of adaptation occur more frequently in this stage.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
5. A school nurse is assessing a female high school student who is overly concerned about her appearance. The
clients mother states, Thats not something to be stressed about! Which is the most appropriate nursing
response?
A. Teenagers! They dont know a thing about real stress.
B. Stress occurs only when there is a loss.
C. When you are in poor physical condition, you cant experience psychological well-being.
D. Stress can be psychological. A threat to self-esteem may result in high stress levels.
ANS: D
Stress can be physical or psychological in nature. A perceived threat to self-esteem can be as stressful as a
physiological change.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
6. A bright student confides in the school nurse about conflicts related to attending college or working to add
needed financial support to the family. Which coping strategy is most appropriate for the nurse to recommend
to the student at this time?
A. Meditation
B. Problem-solving training
C. Relaxation
D. Journaling
ANS: B
The student must assess his or her situation and determine the best course of action. Problem-solving training,
by providing structure and objectivity, can assist in decision making.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
,Test Bank - Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing by Mary Townsend (9th Edition, 2017) 4
7. An unemployed college graduate is experiencing severe anxiety over not finding a teaching position and has
difficulty with independent problem-solving. During a routine physical examination, the graduate confides in
the clinic nurse. Which is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
A. Encourage the student to use the alternative coping mechanism of relaxation exercises.
B. Complete the problem-solving process for the client.
C. Work through the problem-solving process with the client.
D. Encourage the client to keep a journal.
ANS: C
During times of high anxiety and stress, clients will need more assistance in problem-solving and decision
making.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
8. A school nurse is assessing a distraught female high school student who is overly concerned because her
parents cant afford horseback riding lessons. How should the nurse interpret the students reaction to her
perceived problem?
A. The problem is endangering her well-being.
B. The problem is personally relevant to her.
C. The problem is based on immaturity.
D. The problem is exceeding her capacity to cope.
ANS: B
Psychological stressors to self-esteem and self-image are related to how the individual perceives the situation
or event. Self-image is of particular importance to adolescents, who feel entitled to have all the advantages that
other adolescents experience.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
9. Meditation has been shown to be an effective stress management technique. When meditation is effective,
what should a nurse expect to assess?
A. An achieved state of relaxation
B. An achieved insight into ones feelings
C. A demonstration of appropriate role behaviors
D. An enhanced ability to problem-solve
ANS: A
Meditation produces relaxation by creating a special state of consciousness through focused concentration.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
10. A distraught, single, first-time mother cries and asks a nurse, How can I go to work if I cant afford
childcare? What is the nurses initial action in assisting the client with the problem-solving process?
,Test Bank - Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing by Mary Townsend (9th Edition, 2017) 5
A. Determine the risks and benefits for each alternative.
B. Formulate goals for resolution of the problem.
C. Evaluate the outcome of the implemented alternative.
D. Assess the facts of the situation.
ANS: D
Before any other steps can be taken, accurate information about the situation must be gathered and assessed.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
11. A nursing instructor is asking students about diseases of adaptation and when they are likely to occur.
Which student response indicates that learning has occurred?
A. When an individual has limited experience dealing with stress
B. When an individual inherits maladaptive genes
C. When an individual experiences existing conditions that exacerbate stress
D. When an individuals physiological and psychological resources have become depleted
ANS: D
During the stage of exhaustion of the general adaptation syndrome, the individual loses the capacity to adapt
effectively because physiological and psychological resources have become depleted. This is the time when
diseases of adaptation may occur.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need:
Health Promotion and Maintenance
12. When an individuals stress response is sustained over a long period of time, which physiological effect of
the endocrine system should a nurse anticipate?
A. Decreased resistance to disease
B. Increased libido
C. Decreased blood pressure
D. Increased inflammatory response
ANS: A
In a general adaptation syndrome, prolonged exposure to stress leads to the stage of exhaustion at which time
the bodys compensatory mechanisms no longer function effectively and diseases of adaptation occur. A
decreased immune response is seen at this stage.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need:
Physiological Integrity
13. Which symptom should a nurse identify as typical of the fight-or-flight response?
A. Pupil constriction
B. Increased heart rate
,Test Bank - Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing by Mary Townsend (9th Edition, 2017) 6
C. Increased salivation
D. Increased peristalsis
ANS: B
During the fight-or-flight response, the heart rate increases in response to the release of epinephrine. Pupils
dilate to enhance vision. Salivation and peristalsis decrease as the body slows unessential functions. OK
KEY: Cognitive Level: Comprehension | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need:
Physiological Integrity
14. A nurse is evaluating a clients response to stress. What would indicate to the nurse that the client is
experiencing a secondary appraisal of the stressful event?
A. When the individual judges the event to be benign
B. When the individual judges the event to be irrelevant
C. When the individual judges the resources and skills needed to deal with the event
D. When the individual judges the event to be pleasurable
ANS: C
When the individual judges the resources and skills needed to deal with the event, the individual is conducting
a secondary appraisal. There are three types of primary appraisals: irrelevant, benign-positive, and stressful.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
15. Research undertaken by Miller and Rahe in 1997 demonstrated a correlation between the effects of life
change and illness. This research led to the development of the Recent Life Changes Questionnaire (RLCQ).
Which principle most limits the effectiveness of this tool?
A. Specific illnesses are not identified.
B. The numerical values associated with specific life events are randomly assigned
C. Stress is viewed as only a physiological response.
D. Personal perception of the event is excluded.
ANS: D
Individuals differ in response to life events. The RLCQ uses a scale that does not take these differences into
consideration.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Evaluation | Client Need:
Health Promotion and Maintenance
16. A client who experiences stress on a regular basis asks a nurse what causes these feelings. Which is the
most appropriate nursing response?
A. Genetics have nothing to do with your temperament.
B. How you reacted to past experiences influences how you feel now.
C. If youre in good physical health, your stress level will be low.
D. Stress can always be avoided if appropriate coping mechanisms are employed.
, Test Bank - Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing by Mary Townsend (9th Edition, 2017) 7
ANS: B
Past experiences are occurrences that result in learned patterns that can influence an individuals current
adaptation response. They include previous exposure to the stressor or other stressors in general, learned
coping responses, and degree of adaptation to previous stressors.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
Multiple Response
17. A nurse is interviewing a distressed client, who relates being fired after 15 years of loyal employment.
Which of the following questions would best assist the nurse to determine the clients appraisal of the situation?
Select all that apply.
A. What resources have you used previously in stressful situations?
B. Have you ever experienced a similar stressful situation?
C. Who do you think is to blame for this situation?
D. Why do you think you were fired from your job?
E. What skills do you possess that might lead to gainful employment?
ANS: A, B, E
These questions specifically address the clients coping resources and encourage the client to apply learning
from past experiences. These questions also encourage the client to consider alternative methods for dealing
with stress. Asking who is to blame does not assess coping abilities but, rather, encourages maladaptive
behavior. Requesting an explanation is a nontherapeutic block to communication.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Assessment | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
18. A nurse is working with a client who has recently been under a great deal of stress. Which nursing
recommendations would be most helpful when assisting the client in coping with stress? Select all that apply.
A. Enjoy a pet.
B. Spend time with a loved one.
C. Listen to music.
D. Focus on the stressors.
E. Journal your feelings.
ANS: A, B, C, E
Focusing on the stressors is more likely to increase stress in the clients life. However, pets, music, journaling
feelings, and healthy relationships have all been shown to decrease amounts of stress.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process: Implementation | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
19. A nurse is conducting education on anxiety and stress management. Which of the following should be
identified as the most important initial step in learning how to manage anxiety?
A. Diagnostic blood tests
