Mental Health Nursing Exam Questions & Answers – Stress, Crisis
Intervention, Anxiety, Coping Mechanisms, and Adaptation|Latest
Update Questions Complete with Verified A+ Graded Answers
Evelyn is a 47-year-old who recently lost her husband in a tragic accident. In addition, she is
responsible for the daily care of her elderly mother who is suffering with Alzheimer's disease
and failing health. Evelyn is in the office experiencing chest pain, extreme fatigue, and shortness
of breath. It is discovered she has gained about 10 pounds in a short period of time and has
started smoking again after 25 years. What action should the nurse take first?
explore other possible maladaptive coping mechanisms
Which stage of general adaptive syndrome (GAS) would a client be in if they are experiencing
tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypertension?
alarm
A client was brought into the emergency department and was the victim of a robbery. Upon
assessment, his heart rate is 112 bpm, respirations 34 and deep, and he is complaining of
nausea and lower abdominal pain. What is causing this reaction?
stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system
A client brought in from a sports injury to the right arm is being monitored for inflammation.
What are the phases of the inflammation process the nurse should be watching for?
- blood vessels constrict to control bleeding
- phagocytes rush to the site and engulf bacteria and other foreign material
- exudate forms
- tissue is replaced through regeneration or repair
Which is an effect of vascular response in inflammation? Select all that apply.
- hyperemia
- edema
- leukocytes move to the area
The nurse is assessing a 13-year-old client brought in from a sports injury to the right arm. The
client immediately retracts their arm when it is touched. What type of local adaptive response is
this?
reflex pain response
, A client presents with sweating and trembling and is tearful, stating they are nauseated and feel
restless. What assessment should the nurse perform first?
anxiety
Which are issues a nurse should be aware of when assessing anxiety and ego defense
mechanisms? Select all that apply.
- when used sparingly, defense mechanisms can be helpful
- when overused, defense mechanisms become habits that appear as if we are coping
- if defense mechanisms are inadequate to diminish perceived threats and restore equilibrium,
anxiety disorders may develop
A coworker makes a sarcastic remark when the nurse is late for their shift and "throws" a stack
of paperwork and a list of clients who need assessing to them before they can settle in. Why is
this coworker possibly behaving this way?
hostility and resentment of the late nurse
A client who has a strong spiritual belief in healing is in the adaptation stage of stress. What
practices might this client engage in to reduce stress? Select all that apply.
- practice meditation
- pray
- meet with clergy
A client will be discharged soon after having surgery. After a visit with their spouse and children,
the client exhibits signs of regression in their therapy and begins to experience excessive pain
and fatigue, stating they don't think they're ready to go home. What should the nurse assess for
in this client?
malingering
A mother has just learned her son has been involved in a fatal car accident. Match the actions to
their chronological stage of crisis.
- begins to call relatives, states she is okay
- can't decide if she should call work first or go to the hospital or pack a bag
- explains to visitors everything is okay, he really was fortunate it wasn't worse than it could
have been, "he will be fine" tell everyone to go home (doesn't want visitors now)
- begins to make plans for therapy, at home care, work schedules
- begins to overeat and indulge in excessive alcohol consumption
Intervention, Anxiety, Coping Mechanisms, and Adaptation|Latest
Update Questions Complete with Verified A+ Graded Answers
Evelyn is a 47-year-old who recently lost her husband in a tragic accident. In addition, she is
responsible for the daily care of her elderly mother who is suffering with Alzheimer's disease
and failing health. Evelyn is in the office experiencing chest pain, extreme fatigue, and shortness
of breath. It is discovered she has gained about 10 pounds in a short period of time and has
started smoking again after 25 years. What action should the nurse take first?
explore other possible maladaptive coping mechanisms
Which stage of general adaptive syndrome (GAS) would a client be in if they are experiencing
tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypertension?
alarm
A client was brought into the emergency department and was the victim of a robbery. Upon
assessment, his heart rate is 112 bpm, respirations 34 and deep, and he is complaining of
nausea and lower abdominal pain. What is causing this reaction?
stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system
A client brought in from a sports injury to the right arm is being monitored for inflammation.
What are the phases of the inflammation process the nurse should be watching for?
- blood vessels constrict to control bleeding
- phagocytes rush to the site and engulf bacteria and other foreign material
- exudate forms
- tissue is replaced through regeneration or repair
Which is an effect of vascular response in inflammation? Select all that apply.
- hyperemia
- edema
- leukocytes move to the area
The nurse is assessing a 13-year-old client brought in from a sports injury to the right arm. The
client immediately retracts their arm when it is touched. What type of local adaptive response is
this?
reflex pain response
, A client presents with sweating and trembling and is tearful, stating they are nauseated and feel
restless. What assessment should the nurse perform first?
anxiety
Which are issues a nurse should be aware of when assessing anxiety and ego defense
mechanisms? Select all that apply.
- when used sparingly, defense mechanisms can be helpful
- when overused, defense mechanisms become habits that appear as if we are coping
- if defense mechanisms are inadequate to diminish perceived threats and restore equilibrium,
anxiety disorders may develop
A coworker makes a sarcastic remark when the nurse is late for their shift and "throws" a stack
of paperwork and a list of clients who need assessing to them before they can settle in. Why is
this coworker possibly behaving this way?
hostility and resentment of the late nurse
A client who has a strong spiritual belief in healing is in the adaptation stage of stress. What
practices might this client engage in to reduce stress? Select all that apply.
- practice meditation
- pray
- meet with clergy
A client will be discharged soon after having surgery. After a visit with their spouse and children,
the client exhibits signs of regression in their therapy and begins to experience excessive pain
and fatigue, stating they don't think they're ready to go home. What should the nurse assess for
in this client?
malingering
A mother has just learned her son has been involved in a fatal car accident. Match the actions to
their chronological stage of crisis.
- begins to call relatives, states she is okay
- can't decide if she should call work first or go to the hospital or pack a bag
- explains to visitors everything is okay, he really was fortunate it wasn't worse than it could
have been, "he will be fine" tell everyone to go home (doesn't want visitors now)
- begins to make plans for therapy, at home care, work schedules
- begins to overeat and indulge in excessive alcohol consumption
