ATI LPN
Fundamentals of Nursing: The Art and Science of Person-Centered Care Tenth, North American Edition
Chapter 43 : Stress and Adaptation Questions
Question 1 of 5
A college student visits the school's health center reporting extreme fatigue and slight restlessness. The student states, "Exams are right around the corner, and all I feel like doing is sleeping." There are no abnormal physical assessment findings. How does the nurse best help the student frame their desire to sleep?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Fatigue and mild anxiety are often handled without conscious thought through the use of coping mechanisms, such as sleeping. These coping mechanisms are protective behaviors used to decrease stress and anxiety.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is interviewing a patient who just received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The patient tells the nurse, "I'm a vegetarian. I'm not the type to get cancer; this must be a mistake." Which defense mechanism is this patient demonstrating?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Denial, a coping mechanism, occurs when a person refuses to acknowledge the presence of a condition that is disturbing. Projection involves attributing thoughts or impulses to someone else. Displacement occurs when a person transfers an emotional reaction from one object or person to another object or person. Repression is used by a person to voluntarily exclude an anxiety-producing event from conscious awareness.
Question 3 of 5
A visiting nurse is assessing a family that includes a young couple and their infant who has cerebral palsy. The nurse notes that the mother is unkempt, the house is untidy, and the mother states she is "so busy with the baby that I don't have time to do anything else." What priority intervention would the nurse set for this family?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A person providing care at home for a family member for long periods of time often experiences caregiver burden, manifested by chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, and an increased incidence of stress-related illnesses. The nurse could recommend a consultation with a social worker or suggest community resources including possible respite care for the parent(s).
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is teaching a patient who is experiencing stress how to perform a relaxation technique. Which statement by the patient indicates the need for additional teaching?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: No matter what the technique, relaxation involves rhythmic breathing, a slower (not a faster) pulse, reduced muscle tension, and an altered state of consciousness.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse in the obstetrics clinic is teaching pregnant patients techniques to manage pain during labor. Which stress reduction activities would be most effective? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,B,E,F
Rationale: Relaxation techniques are useful in many situations, including childbirth, and consist of rhythmic breathing and progressive muscle relaxation. Meditation and guided imagery could also be used to distract a patient from the pain of childbirth. Anticipatory socialization helps to prepare people for roles they don't have yet, but aspire to, such as parenthood.