A category 5 tornado occurred in a community of 400 people resulting in destruction of many homes and businesses. In the 2 years after this disaster, 140 individuals were diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Which term best applies to these newly diagnosed cases?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Incidence refers to the number of new cases of mental disorders in a healthy population within a given period of time. Prevalence describes the total number of cases, new and existing, in a given population during a specific period of time, regardless of when they became ill. Parity refers to equivalence, and legislation required insurers that provide mental health coverage to offer annual and lifetime benefits at the same level provided for medical/surgical coverage. Co-morbidity refers to having more than one mental disorder at a time.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Primary preventions are directed at healthy populations with a goal of preventing health problems from occurring. Helping school-age children describe normal emotions people experience promotes coping, a skill that is needed throughout life. Assisting a person with serious and persistent mental illness to fill a pill-minder is an example of tertiary prevention. Medicating an acutely ill patient who assaulted a staff person is a secondary prevention. Leading a psychoeducational group in a community care home is an example of tertiary prevention.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: This patient could profit from the structure and supervision provided by spending the day at the partial hospitalization program. During the evening, at night, and on weekends, the spouse could assume responsibility for supervision. A suicidal patient needs inpatient hospitalization. The other patients can be served in the community or with individual visits.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Directly confronting problems is a highly valued approach in the American culture but not part of many other cultures in which harmony and restraint are valued. American nurses sometimes mistakenly think that all patients should take direct action. Patients with other values will be unable to meet this culturally inappropriate outcome.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) The father is the authority figure. In Asian American families, the father being the authority figure significantly influences decision-making about care. This is due to the traditional hierarchical structure that places a strong emphasis on respecting and following the father's decisions in matters concerning family health. Option B) The mother is head of the household is incorrect because in Asian American families, while the mother may hold significant influence in the household, the ultimate decision-making power often lies with the father. Option C) Women should make their own decisions is incorrect as it goes against the traditional cultural norms and values in many Asian American families where collective decision-making or deference to male authority is common. Option D) Emotional communication styles are desirable is also incorrect as Asian American families may value more reserved or indirect communication styles, rather than overt emotional expression, which can impact decision-making processes related to care. Educationally, understanding the cultural nuances and dynamics within different ethnic groups is crucial for nurses in providing culturally competent care. By recognizing the influence of familial roles and dynamics on decision-making, nurses can adapt their care plans to align with the preferences and values of the Asian American families they are working with, ultimately improving patient outcomes and satisfaction.