PSYCHIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
TEST BANK QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
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-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.
ANS: D
The client perceives the situation of job loss as a challenge and an opportunity for growth. - ANS-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: 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. - ANS-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: 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. - ANS-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: D
Stress can be physical or psychological in nature. A perceived threat to self-esteem can be as stressful as
a
physiological change. - ANS-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: 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. - ANS-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: C
TEST BANK QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
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-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.
ANS: D
The client perceives the situation of job loss as a challenge and an opportunity for growth. - ANS-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: 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. - ANS-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: 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. - ANS-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: D
Stress can be physical or psychological in nature. A perceived threat to self-esteem can be as stressful as
a
physiological change. - ANS-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: 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. - ANS-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: C
