Deck 41: Stress, Coping, and Adaptation

Question 1

A client is using prayer to assist in relieving stress. The use of prayer allows the client to:

A) cope.
B) understand.
C) plan.
D) recover.

Answer 1

cope.

Question 2

An adolescent entering high school voices anxiety over changing schools. Stating anxiety is an act of:

A) adaptation.
B) evaluation.
C) reaction.
D) valuation.

Answer 2

adaptation.

Question 3

A high school student comes to the nurse's office to discuss the student's anxiety regarding an upcoming test. This test-taking anxiety is a(an):

A) concern.
B) stressor.
C) threat.
D) adjustment.

Answer 3

stressor.

Question 4

In human beings, the physiologic response to a stressor includes the:

A) sympathetic nervous system slowing the heart rate.
B) hypothalamus secreting adrenocorticotropic hormone.
C) hypothalamus secreting thyroid-stimulating hormone.
D) epinephrine increasing the blood glucose level.

Question 5

During the stress response in human beings, the primary hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex is:

A) cortisol.
B) insulin.
C) epinephrine.
D) thyroxin.

Question 6

A middle-age woman's father has passed away, and her mother requires physical and emotional help due to disabilities. The woman is married and raising two children, along with working full time. All of the factors described are:

A) stressors.
B) stimuli.
C) illnesses.
D) demands.

Question 7

To assess the coping abilities of a first-time mother who expresses to the nurse that she is feeling overwhelmed by the needs of her newborn, the nurse should ask the client about her:

A) cognition and orientation.
B) interpretation of events.
C) nutritional patterns.
D) exercise patterns.

Question 8

A young woman who has just started college is 6 weeks into the semester and has several tests and assignments due in approximately 3 days. She has developed a sore throat and fever. The development of illness is related to:

A) immunosuppression with stress.
B) exposure to streptococcus.
C) decreased energy.
D) sleep deprivation.

Question 9

Which action demonstrates a coping mechanism to deal with anxiety produced by a very demanding, yet well-paying job?

A) Accepting understanding and sympathy from others
B) Expressing an opinion to the manager about the job
C) Taking a benzodiazepine regularly
D) Applying for a less demanding job

Question 10

An example of a long-term coping strategy is:

A) crying to release tension after a stressful event.
B) indulging in a rich desert after a stressful day.
C) walking briskly three times a week for 20 minutes.
D) taking a stick and banging it on a tree.

Question 11

During an interview, the client states, "When my stress is really high, I have diarrhea." The physiologic response affects:

A) adequacy of sleep.
B) nutritional status.
C) gastrointestinal status.
D) heart rate.

Question 12

The client asks the nurse to explain stress and its effect on the body. Which will the nurse include? Select all that apply.

A) Stress begins in children at about age 2.
B) All stress has a negative effect on the human body in some form.
C) Stress begins in utero.
D) Stress is ever-present.
E) Some forms of stress are positive events.

Question 13

An adult receives a call from his or her bank stating his or her account is overdrawn and a significant fee has been assessed. The adult would have an initial reaction of:

A) appraisal.
B) coping.
C) confusion.
D) adaptation.

Question 14

A young mother has accidentally locked her keys in her car with her baby strapped in the car seat. In a panic, the mother summons help from a lock-out service. This action would be considered:

A) stressor.
B) adaptation.
C) coping.
D) appraisal.

Question 15

During acute stress, the body secretes cortisol. Cortisol has which effect on mood?

A) Depression
B) Mood protection
C) Anxiety
D) Chronic worry

Question 16

The nurse is explaining the body's response to a stressful situation. The nurse includes which manifestation? Select all that apply.

A) Hypoglycemia
B) Dilated pupils
C) Increased pulse
D) Inhibition of urination
E) Increased digestive function

Question 17

The grief and angst following a stressful event is sometimes described as:

A) chaos.
B) coping.
C) distress.
D) adaptation.

Question 18

A dancer has suffered a fall injury, which will prevent participation in a much-anticipated event. The fall is classified as what?

A) Stressor
B) Adaptation
C) Chronic stress
D) Resolution

Question 19

A young woman, who has recently suffered acute stress, asks the nurse why she seems to be more sensitive to stress than her husband. The nurse explains that a contributor to this phenomenon is:

A) thyroid production.
B) adrenal function.
C) estrogen levels.
D) cortisol.

Question 20

A client is discussing stressors with the nurse and is describing feeling better after taking a brisk walk. The client's action is an example of:

A) appraisal.
B) secondary appraisal.
C) buffering.
D) adaptation.

Question 21

The client asks the nurse what to do about a skin lesion causing the client to be very worried. The nurse suggests the client should notify the physician for a diagnosis. The client is relieved and states, "I will make an appointment." This type of activity is considered:

A) coping.
B) social buffering.
C) appraisal.
D) secondary appraisal.

Question 22

A teenage girl is discussing her recent breakup with her boyfriend. She tells the nurse she just stays in bed all day and cannot seem to feel any better. She says she is only relieved of the pain while sleeping. The nurse identifies this coping strategy as:

A) avoidance coping.
B) buffering.
C) chronic stress.
D) adaptation.

Question 23

The nurse is caring for a postoperative client of Asian descent who speaks minimal English. The nurse notes the client has not requested medication for pain. Considering the client's culture, the nurse would:

A) understand that, culturally, Asians often do not take medicine.
B) understand that, culturally, Asians may see pain as weakness.
C) understand that the client is not in pain.
D) understand that the client is being difficult.

Question 24

A 7-year-old boy has been the victim of abuse. He appears stoic and disconnected while being interviewed by the nurse. Although he currently has a painful injury, he does not cry or flinch when the area is touched. The nurse understands that:

A) the child has learned to cope by shutting off his feelings.
B) the child is mentally ill.
C) the child is refusing to cooperate with the interview.
D) the abuse is likely short lived.

Question 25

A teenage boy describes a dysfunctional home life to the nurse. The boy states he is running 10 miles or more a day to keep his mind off of his home life. The nurse identifies this form of coping as:

A) beneficial.
B) maladaptive.
C) generational.
D) cultural.

Question 26

A client is dealing with the death of her husband 10 days ago. The client tells the nurse she has lost her appetite and struggles to eat meals. The nurse understands that this is:

A) part of the normal sympathetic stress response.
B) a form of maladaptive coping.
C) the woman's personal coping style.
D) an example of the resolution of loss.

Question 27

The client tells the nurse she has never "gotten over" the loss of her husband 2 years ago. The client states she is drinking alcohol to excess every day and has started smoking, saying both help her cope. The best response by the nurse would be:

A) "You need to decrease your alcohol consumption and stop smoking for your overall health."
B) "It may be time for you to consider a comprehensive treatment program."
C) "Many people develop these habits in response to severe stress. As you learn to better cope, you will see a decrease in your need for these substances."
D) "This is the way you are coping with the stress. Everyone copes in their own way."