A nurse is educating a patient about the difference between mental health and mental illness. Which statement by the patient reflects an accurate understanding of mental health?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Mental health is best defined as successful adaptation to stressors in the internal and external environment. It involves the ability to cope with life's challenges effectively, maintain healthy relationships, and make sound decisions despite facing stress and adversity. Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being and is characterized by resilience, emotional intelligence, self-acceptance, and a sense of purpose. It is not simply the absence of mental illness but a state of overall well-being and optimal functioning. Option B accurately reflects this understanding of mental health.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: According to Peplau's interpersonal theory, the nurse should identify a need for improvement in the stage of developing skills in participation. This stage involves learning to interact with others and engage in activities such as sports and games. The 12-year-old girl's reactions indicate a lack of coping skills when facing challenges or disappointments in these social situations. By focusing on developing skills in participation, the nurse can help the girl learn how to handle setbacks, build resilience, and develop healthier ways of coping with failure or loss. This will contribute to her overall social and emotional growth and well-being.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: According to Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, the developmental task for a 35-year-old individual falls within the stage of "Intimacy vs. Isolation." During this stage, the focus is on establishing and maintaining meaningful relationships with others, as well as finding a sense of purpose in work and life. In this case, the nurse should assist the client in achieving personal growth by helping them to establish a career, develop personal relationships, and make societal connections. This assistance can help the client progress towards a sense of fulfillment and avoid feelings of isolation or stagnation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: According to Freud's psychoanalytic theory, the superego represents the moral conscience or the internalized standards and values of society. It acts as a person's "conscience" and strives for perfection by suppressing the urges of the id and influencing behavior to align with moral standards and societal norms. In this case, the statement "I dont ever cheat on tests; it is wrong" reflects the predominance of the superego as it demonstrates a strong adherence to moral values and a sense of right and wrong. The individual's behavior is guided by their moral conscience, which is a key characteristic associated with the superego.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Interpersonal theorists focus on the importance of relationships in shaping an individual's mental health. By emphasizing the impact of relationships on coping abilities, a nurse practitioner who shares this philosophy would be more likely to prioritize exploring how a patient's relationships influence their well-being. This approach aligns with the key principles of interpersonal theory, making statement B the most likely choice.