A nurse is discussing the diathesis-stress model with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the model?

Choice A Reason:

This statement indicates that the client understands the nature of recovery from alcohol abuse. Recovery is indeed a lifelong process that involves continuous effort and commitment. Recognizing that recovery comes in steps shows that the client is aware of the ongoing nature of the process and the need for sustained effort and support. This understanding is crucial for successful long-term recovery.

Choice B Reason:

This statement is incorrect because it reflects a misunderstanding of the recovery process. Detoxification is just the first step in recovery, and it involves removing alcohol from the body. However, recovery involves much more than just detoxification. It includes ongoing therapy, support groups, lifestyle changes, and coping strategies to maintain sobriety and prevent relapse. Therefore, thinking that recovery is complete after detoxification is a misconception.

Choice C Reason:

This statement is also incorrect because it suggests that the goal of recovery is merely to decrease drinking. The goal of recovery from alcohol abuse is to achieve and maintain sobriety, not just to reduce alcohol consumption. Effective recovery involves abstaining from alcohol, addressing the underlying issues that led to alcohol abuse, and developing healthy coping mechanisms and support systems.

Choice D Reason:

While Al-Anon can indeed assist in the recovery process, this statement alone does not indicate that the client has fully understood the nature of recovery. Al-Anon is a support group for friends and family members of people with alcohol use disorder, and it can provide valuable support and resources. However, recognizing the lifelong and step-by-step nature of recovery is a more comprehensive indication of learning.

Choice A Reason: The diathesis-stress model assists the client in identifying their level of stress or anxiety.

This statement is incorrect because the diathesis-stress model does not primarily focus on helping clients identify their current levels of stress or anxiety. Instead, it is a framework used to understand how predispositional vulnerabilities (diatheses) and external stressors interact to influence the development of psychological disorders. While understanding stress levels can be part of a broader assessment, it is not the main purpose of the diathesis-stress model.

Choice B Reason: The diathesis-stress model assists in telling me how stressed a client is.

This statement is also incorrect. The diathesis-stress model is not a tool for measuring or quantifying a client’s current stress levels. Rather, it is a theoretical model that explains how stress interacts with an individual’s vulnerabilities to potentially trigger mental health issues. The model helps clinicians understand the interplay between genetic, biological, and environmental factors, but it does not provide a direct measure of stress.

Choice C Reason: The diathesis-stress model assists in identifying risk factors or vulnerabilities for stress.

This statement is correct. The diathesis-stress model is designed to identify and understand the risk factors or vulnerabilities (diatheses) that make an individual more susceptible to developing psychological disorders when exposed to stress. These vulnerabilities can be genetic, biological, psychological, or situational. By identifying these factors, clinicians can better predict which individuals are at higher risk for developing mental health issues under stress and can tailor interventions accordingly.

Choice D Reason: The diathesis-stress model assists in identifying what mental health disorder related to stress the client has.

This statement is partially correct but not entirely accurate. While the diathesis-stress model can help in understanding the development of mental health disorders, it does not specifically identify which disorder a client has. The model provides a framework for understanding how various factors contribute to the onset of disorders, but a comprehensive clinical assessment is required to diagnose specific mental health conditions.