The adult child of a patient diagnosed with major depression asks, "Do you think depression and physical illness are connected? Since my father's death, my mother has had shingles and the flu, but she's usually not one w
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The adult child of a patient diagnosed with major depression asks, "Do you think depression and physical illness are connected? Since my father's death, my mother has had shingles and the flu, but she's usually not one who gets sick." Which answer by the nurse best reflects current knowledge about psychoneuroimmunology?
a. "It is probably a coincidence. Emotions and physical responses travel on different tracts of the nervous system."
b. "You may be paying more attention to your mother since your father died and noticing more things such as minor illnesses."
c. "So far, research on emotions or stress and becoming ill more easily is unclear. We do not know for sure if there is a link."
d. "Negative emotions and stress may interfere with the body's ability to protect itself and can increase the likelihood of infection." - ANS-D
A patient diagnosed with emphysema has severe shortness of breath and needs portable oxygen when leaving home. Recently the patient has reduced activity because of fear that breathing difficulty will occur. A nurse suggests using guided imagery. Which image should the patient be encouraged to visualize?
a. Engaging in activity without using any supplemental oxygen
b. Sleeping comfortably and soundly, without respiratory distress
c. Feeling relaxed and taking regular deep breaths when leaving home
d. Having a younger, healthier body that knows no exercise limitations - ANS-C
A nurse leads a psychoeducational group for depressed patients. The nurse plans to implement an exercise regime for each patient. The rationale to use when presenting this plan to the treatment team is that exercise:
a. has an antidepressant effect comparable to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
b. prevents damage from overstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system.
c. detoxifies the body by removing metabolic wastes and other toxins.
d. improves mood stability for patients with bipolar disorders. - ANS-A
A recent immigrant from Honduras comes to the clinic with a family member who has been a U.S. resident for 10 years. The family member says, "The immigration to America has been very difficult." Considering cultural background, which expression of stress by this patient would the nurse expect?
a. Motor restlessness
b. Somatic complaints
c. Memory deficiencies
d. Sensory perceptual alterations - ANS-B
A patient nervously says, "Financial problems are stressing my marriage. I've heard rumors about cutbacks at work; I am afraid I might get laid off." The patient's pulse is 112/minute; respirations are 26/minute; and blood pressure is 166/88. Which nursing intervention will the nurse implement?
a. Advise the patient, "Go to sleep 30 to 60 minutes earlier each night to increase rest."
b. Direct the patient in slow and deep breathing via use of a positive, repeated word.
c. Suggest the patient consider that a new job might be better than the present one.
d. Tell the patient, "Relax by spending more time playing with your pet." - ANS-B
According to the Recent Life Changes Questionnaire, which situation would most necessitate a complete assessment of a person's stress status and coping abilities?
a. A person who has been assigned more responsibility at work
b. A parent whose job required relocation to a different city
c. A person returning to college after an employer ceased operations
d. A man who recently separated from his wife because of marital problems - ANS-C
A patient newly diagnosed as HIV-positive seeks the nurse's advice on how to reduce the risk of infections. The patient says, "I used to go to church and I was in my best health then. Maybe I should start going to church again." Which response will the nurse offer?
a. "Religion does not usually affect health, but you were younger and stronger then."
b. "Contact with supportive people at church might help, but religion itself is not especially helpful."
c. "Studies show that spiritual practices can enhance immune system function and coping abilities."
d. "Going to church would expose you to many potential infections. Let's think about some other options." - ANS-C
When a nurse asks a newly admitted patient to describe social supports, the patient says, "My parents died last year and I have no family. I am newly divorced, and my former inlaws blame me. I don't have many friends because most people my age just want to go out drinking." Which action will the nurse apply?
a. Advise the patient that being so particular about potential friends reduces social contact.
b. Suggest using the Internet as a way to find supportive others with similar values.
c. Encourage the patient to begin dating again, perhaps with members of the church.
d. Discuss how divorce support groups could increase coping and social support. - ANS-D
A patient experiencing significant stress associated with a disturbing new medical diagnosis asks the nurse, "Do you think saying a prayer would help?" Select the nurse's best answer.
a. "It could be that prayer is your only hope."
b. "You may find prayer gives comfort and lowers your stress."
c. "I can help you feel calmer by teaching you meditation exercises."
d. "We do not have evidence that prayer helps, but it wouldn't hurt." - ANS-B
A patient is brought to the Emergency Department after a motorcycle accident. The patient is alert, responsive, and diagnosed with a broken leg. The patient's vital signs are pulse (P) 72 and respiration (R) 16. After being informed surgery is required for the broken leg, which vital sign readings would be expected?
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