A nurse working on a psychiatric unit is providing care for a client that reports feeling irritable and distressed. The client states, “I just feel so helpless.” Which of the following statements most aligns with the client’s presentation of neurotic behavior?
The client is always aware that their behaviors are maladaptive.
The client uses adaptive defense mechanisms to cope.
The client never has mood or personality changes.
The client does not experience loss of contact with reality.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
The statement “The client is always aware that their behaviors are maladaptive” is incorrect. While individuals with neurotic behavior may sometimes recognize that their behaviors are maladaptive, this awareness is not consistent. Neurotic behaviors are often automatic and unconscious efforts to manage deep anxiety. Therefore, the client may not always be aware of the maladaptive nature of their actions.
Choice B Reason:
The statement “The client uses adaptive defense mechanisms to cope” is incorrect. Neurotic behavior typically involves the use of maladaptive defense mechanisms rather than adaptive ones. These mechanisms, such as denial, repression, or projection, are employed to manage anxiety and stress but do not effectively resolve the underlying issues. Adaptive defense mechanisms, on the other hand, are more constructive and promote healthier coping strategies.
Choice C Reason:
The statement “The client never has mood or personality changes” is incorrect. Neurotic behavior is often associated with mood swings and emotional instability. Clients with neurotic tendencies may experience frequent changes in mood and may struggle with regulating their emotions. Therefore, it is inaccurate to state that the client never has mood or personality changes.
Choice D Reason:
The statement “The client does not experience loss of contact with reality” is correct. Neurotic behavior, unlike psychotic behavior, does not involve a loss of contact with reality4. Clients with neurotic tendencies remain aware of their surroundings and can distinguish between reality and their internal experiences4. This characteristic differentiates neurotic behavior from more severe mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, where a loss of reality is a key feature.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Labeling mild anxiety as pathologic and suggesting that it warrants postponing the test is not accurate. Mild anxiety is a normal response to stress and can actually be beneficial in certain situations. It helps to increase alertness and focus, which can improve performance on tasks such as taking a test. Pathologic anxiety, on the other hand, is excessive and persistent, interfering with daily functioning and requiring clinical intervention.
Choice B Reason:
The idea that mild anxiety may be transferred to classmates and result in generalized anxiety disorder is not supported by evidence. Anxiety is a personal experience and while it can be influenced by the environment, it is not something that can be directly transferred from one person to another. Generalized anxiety disorder is a chronic condition characterized by excessive worry about various aspects of life, and it develops due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
Choice C Reason:
While severe anxiety can interfere with cognitive ability, mild anxiety typically does not. In fact, mild anxiety can enhance cognitive performance by increasing alertness and focus. It is only when anxiety becomes overwhelming that it starts to impair cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and problem-solving.

Choice D Reason:
Mild anxiety is conducive to concentration and problem-solving. This level of anxiety can act as a motivator, helping individuals to focus better and perform tasks more efficiently. The Yerkes-Dodson law suggests that there is an optimal level of arousal (including anxiety) that enhances performance. Too little arousal can lead to underperformance, while too much can cause performance to deteriorate.
Correct Answer is ["0.5"]
Explanation
Step 1: Identify the available concentration of fentanyl.
- The ampule contains 100 micrograms of fentanyl in 2 mL.
Step 2: Determine the dose required.
- The nurse needs to give 25 micrograms of fentanyl.
Step 3: Calculate the volume (mL) needed for the required dose.
- Use the formula: (Dose required ÷ Dose available) × Volume of available dose.
Step 4: Substitute the values into the formula.
- (25 micrograms ÷ 100 micrograms) × 2 mL
Step 5: Perform the division.
- 25 micrograms ÷ 100 micrograms = 0.25
Step 6: Perform the multiplication.
- 0.25 × 2 mL = 0.5 mL
Result: The nurse will give 0.5 mL for the correct dose.
Final Answer: 0.5 mL
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