Question 1

A patient diagnosed with breast cancer decides on a treatment plan and feels positive about her prognosis. Assuming the cancer diagnosis represents a crisis, this patient is most likely experiencing which phase of crisis?

Accepted Answer

A) Precrisis 
B) Impact 
C) Crisis 
D) Adaptive

Question 2

The nurse is aware that when a patient becomes alarmed, the body will release a substance to promote a sense of well-being. Which substance is released?

Accepted Answer

A) Aldosterone 
B) Thyroid-stimulating hormone 
C) Endorphins 
D) Adrenocorticotropic hormone

Question 3

A patient admitted to the cardiac unit is going for a cardiac catheterization. The patient tells the nurse, "I am so anxious about this. I am afraid the procedure might trigger a heart attack." Which is the first action by the nurse?

Accepted Answer

A) Contact the physician for an antianxiety medication prior to the procedure. 
B) Assure the patient this is a very common procedure for cardiac patients. 
C) Instruct the patient prior to the procedure about what to expect of the procedure. 
D) Offer the patient some stress-reducing techniques to use before the procedure.

Question 4

A client approaches the nurse in the health clinic and states, "I have been dealing with my spouse's illnesses for years. Now my children want me to start babysitting my grandchildren. I don't know whether I can handle all this." Which is the nurse's most accurate interpretation of the client's statements?

Accepted Answer

A) Some events are producing more stress for the client than other events. 
B) Coping abilities are extended to the limit and the client is unable to cope. 
C) Many stressors or prolonged stressors make adaptation more likely to fail. 
D) Coping strategies used in the past are no longer successful for the client.

Question 5

The nurse is providing care for a patient with numerous physiological complaints. A family member shares that the patient is pretending to have the symptoms of a stomach ulcer to avoid going to work. The nurse recognizes which somatoform disorder this patient is most likely experiencing?

Accepted Answer

A) Hypochondriasis 
B) Somatization 
C) Somatoform pain disorder 
D) Malingering

Question 6

The nurse is aware that which function of antidiuretic hormone occurs when the hormone is released in the alarm stage of the general adaptation syndrome?

Accepted Answer

A) Promotes fluid retention by increasing the reabsorption of water by kidney tubules 
B) Increases efficiency of cellular metabolism and fat conversion to energy for cells and muscle 
C) Increases the use of fats and proteins for energy and conserves glucose for use by the brain 
D) Promotes fluid excretion by causing the kidneys to reabsorb more sodium

Question 7

The nurse is aware that after a patient has an argument with the patient's spouse, the patient becomes verbally abusive to the nurse who is providing care. Which coping mechanism does the nurse recognize the patient is exhibiting?

Accepted Answer

A) Reaction formation 
B) Displacement 
C) Denial 
D) Conversion

Question 8

After sustaining injuries in a motor vehicle accident, a patient experiences a decrease in blood pressure and an increase in heart rate and respiratory rate despite surgical intervention and fluid resuscitation. Which stage of general adaptation syndrome (GAS) does the nurse recognize the patient is most likely experiencing?

Accepted Answer

A) Alarm 
B) Resistance 
C) Exhaustion 
D) Recovery

Question 9

The nurse is presenting a workshop on stress and adaptation to adolescents at the local high school. A teenager tells the nurse, "Sometimes I feel stressed when I have to take a test. I feel my heart is going a little faster but I do focus better. What do you think?" Which is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

Accepted Answer

A) "No amount of stress is healthy, especially if your heart is going faster." 
B) "As long as you are getting through the test, I think you will be just fine." 
C) "A little stress is not necessarily a bad thing. It can help you to focus." 
D) "You may need to develop some additional stress-reducing activities."

Exam 12: Stress Adaptation