Which symptom should a nurse identify as typical of the fight-or-flight response?

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Mental Health HESI Practice Questions Questions

Question 1 of 5

Which symptom should a nurse identify as typical of the fight-or-flight response?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The fight-or-flight response is a physiological reaction that occurs when an individual faces a perceived threat or stressor. One of the primary characteristics of this response is the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which leads to an increase in heart rate. This increase in heart rate helps to pump more blood to the muscles, providing them with oxygen and nutrients to either fight the threat or flee from it. Therefore, identifying an increased heart rate as a symptom typical of the fight-or-flight response is crucial for understanding the body's physiological response to stress. Pupil constriction, increased salivation, and increased peristalsis are not typically associated with the fight-or-flight response.

Question 2 of 5

A nurse is assessing 15-year-old identical twins who respond very differently to stress. One twin becomes anxious and irritable, while the other withdraws and cries. How should the nurse explain these different responses to stress to the parents?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Identical twins may share the same genetic makeup, but they are still unique individuals with their own personalities and experiences. Reactions to stress are not solely determined by genetics; they are also influenced by individual differences, environmental factors, and personal coping strategies. Thus, it is normal for identical twins to respond differently to stressors. Stress responses are relative rather than absolute, meaning that each person may react in their own way based on their temperament, past experiences, and current circumstances. It is essential for the parents to understand that variation in stress responses is a natural aspect of human behavior, even among identical twins.

Question 3 of 5

Which statement reflects a student nurses accurate understanding of the concepts of mental health and mental illness?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The statement that reflects a student nurse's accurate understanding of the concepts of mental health and mental illness is that they are multidimensional and culturally defined. Mental health and mental illness are complex concepts that are influenced by various factors such as biological, psychological, social, and cultural aspects. Different cultures may have varying beliefs, norms, and attitudes towards mental health and mental illness, leading to diverse understandings and expressions of these concepts. Therefore, it is crucial for student nurses to recognize and respect the multidimensional and culturally defined nature of mental health and mental illness in order to provide effective and culturally sensitive care to individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

Question 4 of 5

A teenage boy is attracted to a female teacher. Without objective evidence, a school nurse overhears the boy state, I know she wants me. This statement reflects which defense mechanism?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Projection is a defense mechanism where an individual attributes their own unacceptable thoughts or feelings onto someone else. In this scenario, the teenage boy is projecting his own feelings of attraction onto the female teacher by assuming she wants him as well. The statement "I know she wants me" reflects this projection, as there is no objective evidence supporting the boy's belief that the teacher has any romantic interest in him. The defense mechanism of projection allows the boy to avoid acknowledging his own feelings of attraction towards the teacher by attributing them to her instead.

Question 5 of 5

Devastated by a divorce from an abusive husband, a wife completes grief counseling. Which statement by the wife should indicate to a nurse that the client is in the acceptance stage of grief?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The statement "Yes, it was a difficult relationship, but I think I have learned from the experience" indicates that the client is in the acceptance stage of grief. In this stage, individuals come to terms with the reality of the loss and start to find meaning in the experience. The client's acknowledgment of the difficult relationship but expressing that she has learned from it shows that she is accepting the situation and trying to grow from it. This statement reflects a sense of acceptance and willingness to move forward from the grief caused by the divorce.

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