Which scenario best illustrates dishabituation? An intensive care unit nurse:

Question

Which scenario best illustrates dishabituation?  An intensive care unit nurse:

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecba2d_0d99_0734_a3bf_6b83db669a4e_MD0008_00 Habituation is characterized by a decrease in a response after repeated exposure to a stimulus. For example, a nurse might initially notice the beeping (stimulus) from medical monitors but notice the beeping less over time (diminished response). Dishabituation occurs when a previously habituated stimulus produces a response again. For example, a nurse returns from vacation to find that beeping from the medical monitors, which he/she had learned to ignore before vacation (ie, previously habituated stimulus), is noticeable once again (ie, renewed response). (Choice A) Sensitization occurs when a stimulus produces an increasing response, and desensitization occurs when a response to a sensitized stimulus is reduced. A scenario in which a nurse finds beeping from medical monitors increasingly annoying over time illustrates sensitization, not dishabituation. (Choice B) Habituation is characterized by a decrease in the strength of a response after repeated exposure to a stimulus. A scenario in which a nurse no longer notices the beeping from medical monitors over time illustrates habituation, not dishabituation. (Choice C) Selective attention describes focusing on one stimulus and ignoring others. A scenario in which a nurse ignores the background noise of beeping medical monitors but responds to a critical alarm illustrates selective attention, not dishabituation. Educational objective: Habituation is characterized by a decrease in a response after repeated exposure to a stimulus. Dishabituation occurs when a previously habituated stimulus produces a response again.

Which Scenario Best Illustrates Dishabituation? an Intensive Care Unit Nurse