Question 1

The nurse should recognize improvement in concentration and attention occurs with which relaxation technique?

Accepted Answer

Meditation has been shown to improve concentration and attention by increasing activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for executive functions such as decision making and attention control. Biofeedback and mental imagery may also improve concentration, but are not specifically cited as being effective in the question stem. Physical exercise may improve cognitive function, but the question specifically asks about improvement in concentration and attention, which is not always directly related to physical exercise.

Question 2

A client who has been referred for stress management asks the nurse,"Which one of these relaxation techniques might be eligible for reimbursement by my health insurance?" Which is the appropriate nursing reply?

Accepted Answer

Biofeedback is a technique that has been shown to be effective in reducing stress and is often eligible for reimbursement by health insurance. Meditation, physical exercise, and deep breathing may also be helpful in managing stress, but their eligibility for reimbursement would depend on the insurance provider and specific plan.

Question 3

A client who has been undergoing stress management training asks the nurse how long practicing stress reduction should last.Which is the most appropriate nursing reply?

Accepted Answer

Managing stress is a lifelong function because stress is a part of daily life and can be triggered by various situations. It is important to continue practicing stress reduction techniques even after a specific stressor has resolved to maintain good mental and physical health.

Question 4

Which should the nurse recognize as the reason physical exercise is an effective relaxation technique?

Accepted Answer

Physical exercise provides a natural outlet for releasing muscle tension, which can help promote relaxation and alleviate stress.

Question 5

Which action should the nurse take prior to educating clients about relaxation techniques?

Accepted Answer

Before educating clients about relaxation techniques, the nurse should first assist the client in identifying triggers or sources of stress. This will help the client better understand and manage their stressors, which can enhance the effectiveness of relaxation techniques. The other options are not necessary prior to educating clients about relaxation techniques.

Question 6

During a psychoeducational group on stress management,a client asks about meditation.Which nursing statement is most accurate regarding meditation?

Accepted Answer

Meditation is a practice aimed at gaining mastery over one's attention and focus, resulting in a special state of consciousness. Options A and B refer to relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery, respectively. Option C describes biofeedback, which is a technique that helps individuals become more aware of their bodily processes and bring them under conscious control.

Question 7

The nurse is teaching a client deep-breathing exercises.The client asks,"Why do I need to make that funny shape with my lips when I breathe out?" Which is the most appropriate nursing reply?

Accepted Answer

Pursed-lip breathing helps to control the exhalation and keeps the airways open. This helps to reduce shortness of breath, especially in clients with respiratory conditions such as COPD.

Question 8

A client diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder refuses to get out of bed.Which nursing statement best educates the client about the benefits of physical activity?

Accepted Answer

This statement directly connects the benefits of physical activity to the client's diagnosis of depression and how exercise can increase certain brain chemicals that are lacking. It is important to provide education that is relevant and personalized to the client's situation.

Question 9

A client asks the nurse to explain the difference between modified (or passive)progressive relaxation and progressive relaxation.Which is the most appropriate nursing reply?

Accepted Answer

The key difference between modified (or passive) progressive relaxation and traditional progressive relaxation is that in the modified version, there is no muscle contraction involved. Instead, the focus is on relaxation without the initial tensing of muscle groups, which is a hallmark of the traditional method. This makes the modified version more suitable for individuals who might find muscle tensing uncomfortable or contraindicated.

Question 10

After suffering a myocardial infarction,a 37-year-old executive demands premature discharge from the hospital.He tells the nurse,"Just give me my prescriptions and let me get back to work." Which is the most appropriate nursing reply?

Accepted Answer

The nurse's response emphasizes the need for important discussions about the patient's health, medication, exercise, and lifestyle changes before leaving the hospital. This will ensure that the patient is properly informed and equipped to manage their condition and promote improved health outcomes.

Question 11

Which positive physical benefit would relaxation provide for a client who has experienced stress-related asthma?

Accepted Answer

Relaxation can help to decrease the symptoms of stress-related asthma by increasing oxygen saturation levels. When a person is stressed, their breathing may become shallow or rapid, which can trigger asthma symptoms. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and muscle relaxation can help to slow down the breathing rate and increase the amount of oxygen in the body, reducing the likelihood of an asthma attack.

Question 12

The nurse working for a large corporation is teaching relaxation therapy to employees.Which relaxation technique should the nurse teach first?

Accepted Answer

Deep-breathing exercises are the easiest and simplest relaxation technique to teach and can be done anywhere without any special equipment. They also have the potential to immediately reduce physiological arousal and induce a sense of calmness. This makes deep-breathing exercises an ideal technique to begin with for beginners. Mental imagery, biofeedback, and meditation may require more training and practice, and may not be as accessible or feasible for all employees.

Question 13

Which response is a physiological manifestation of relaxation?

Accepted Answer

Reduced metabolic rate is a physiological manifestation of relaxation. When a person is relaxed, their body conserves energy and reduces its metabolic rate. This is in contrast to a stressed state, where the body's metabolic rate may increase to provide energy for the "fight or flight" response. Options A, B, and D are all associated with a stressed state rather than a relaxed state.

Question 14

The nurse is caring for a client who suffered a stress-related myocardial infarction.Which client statement indicates that the client is ready to learn about the relationship of stress to physical illness?

Accepted Answer

The client's statement in option D shows a readiness to learn about factors other than diet and exercise that could have contributed to their heart attack, including stress. Option A indicates a reliance on medication alone, while option B shows a willingness to change one behavior but does not address the role of stress. Option C shows a potential lack of understanding about the seriousness of the situation and the need for proactive measures to prevent future heart attacks.

Question 15

The nurse is teaching principles of mental imagery to a group.The nurse should recommend that the client focus on which relaxing environments? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Mental imagery for relaxation typically involves visualizing calm, peaceful, and serene environments. Visualizing the seashore (A), a snowy cabin (B), floating through the air on a cloud (D), and lying at home in front of the fireplace (E) can all evoke a sense of peace and relaxation. Driving home from work during rush hour (C) is likely to evoke stress rather than relaxation, making it an unsuitable choice for mental imagery aimed at relaxation.

Quiz 40: Relaxation Therapy