A nurse is responding to a parent of an adolescent who was recently diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder following a sexual assault.The parent mentions that their child has been experimenting with drugs. Why would they be doing this?

“This must be a difficult time for you.”.

“This is normal behavior for an adolescent. Nothing to be concerned about.”.

“I can understand your concerns. Which of these behaviors do you want to address first?”

“It’s very frustrating when children misbehave. Do any of your other children react the same way? What rules have you established for them?”

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale
The adolescent’s experimentation with drugs could be a coping mechanism to deal with the trauma of the sexual assault and the subsequent posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Substance use, including drug use, is often a maladaptive coping strategy used by individuals

who have experienced trauma to numb their feelings, escape from their reality, or attempt to regain control. This must indeed be a difficult time for both the adolescent and the parent.
Choice B rationale
While experimentation is a part of normal adolescent behavior, it is not normal or healthy for an adolescent to use drugs, especially in response to a traumatic event such as a sexual assault. Drug use can lead to addiction, health problems, and further psychological distress. Therefore, it is something to be concerned about and addressed appropriately.
Choice C rationale
While it is important to understand and address the parent’s concerns, the focus should be on the adolescent’s needs. The adolescent is dealing with the aftermath of a sexual assault and a diagnosis of PTSD, and is using drugs. These are serious issues that need to be addressed with professional help. The question of which behavior to address first should be determined based on the adolescent’s immediate safety and well-being.
Choice D rationale
It is not helpful to label the adolescent’s behavior as misbehavior or to compare them to their siblings. Each child is unique and may react differently to stress and trauma. Instead of focusing on rules and comparisons, it would be more beneficial to provide support, understanding, and appropriate professional help.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
A vulnerability gene is a gene variant that increases the risk for development of a specific mental illness. It does not guarantee that an individual will develop the illness, but it does increase their susceptibility.
Choice B rationale
A gene variant that is responsible for an individual’s resilience to stress is not typically referred to as a vulnerability gene. Resilience genes are thought to provide some protection against the development of mental illnesses.
Choice C rationale
A gene variant that is responsible for the development of a specific mental illness is not typically referred to as a vulnerability gene. While certain gene variants can increase the risk of developing a mental illness, they are usually not the sole cause. Mental illnesses are typically the result of a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
Choice D rationale

A gene variant that determines an individual’s likelihood of recovering from mental illness is not typically referred to as a vulnerability gene. Recovery from mental illness is influenced by a variety of factors, including the individual’s access to effective treatment, their level of social support, and their personal resilience.

A. Have the child carefully repeat the events of the trauma. B. Assess the child without their caregiver present. C. Have toys or drawing materials available for the child. D. Focus on the physical domain of health.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Having the child carefully repeat the events of the trauma is not always the best strategy. Repeatedly recounting traumatic events can potentially retraumatize the child.
Choice B rationale
Assessing the child without their caregiver present can be beneficial in some cases, especially if there is a suspicion of abuse by the caregiver. However, in the context of school violence, it might be more beneficial to have a trusted adult present to provide comfort and support.
Choice C rationale
Having toys or drawing materials available for the child is a good strategy. Play and art can be therapeutic for children and can provide a non-threatening way for them to express their feelings and experiences.
Choice D rationale

Focusing solely on the physical domain of health may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the child’s experience. While physical health is important, understanding the child’s emotional and psychological responses to the violence is also crucial.

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A nurse is responding to a parent of an adolescent who was recently diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder following a sexual assault.The parent mentions that their child has been experimenting with drugs. Why would they be doing this?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in an outpatient facility is teaching a client about the development of mental illness. Which of the following statements by the nurse describes the role of a vulnerability gene?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a 6-year-old child who has experienced violence at school. Which of the following strategies should the nurse use during their assessment of this client?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to interview a client and is reviewing therapeutic communication techniques. Which of the following should the nurse include in the interview to invite the client to clarify feelings?

A nurse is providing care to a patient who is experiencing excessive anxiety and worry in response to various situations, and is unable to control their worry. Which of the following conditions should the nurse identify these symptoms as indicative of?

A nurse is caring for a 9-year-old child who mimics shooting a gun with their hand whenever someone enters the room or tries to interact with them. This is an example of which manifestation of post-traumatic stress disorder?

A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing manifestations of anxiety. The nurse should recognize which of the following statements about the neurophysiologic manifestations of anxiety as correct?

A nurse is caring for a client who is in physical restraints after demonstrating aggressive behavior. Which of the following criteria must be met before the nurse can remove the restraints?

A nurse is caring for a child whose guardians report that the child consistently cannot speak during class and other social situations. Which of the following anxiety disorders should the nurse identify that the child is experiencing?

A nurse is caring for a patient with post-traumatic stress disorder who is considering prolonged exposure therapy. The patient asks, “How does this therapy work?” Which of the following responses accurately describes this type of therapy?

A community health nurse is preparing a public service announcement about Lyme disease. Which of the following strategies should the nurse include as an example of secondary prevention?