Which pair of responses is an example of psychological stress?

Choice A rationale

Genetic counseling is an example of primary prevention, as it aims to prevent the occurrence of a disease or condition before it ever happens. By providing information and support to a couple before they have a child, the goal is to reduce the risk of passing on genetic disorders. This action is taken before any sign of a condition is present, proactively mitigating risk and promoting health.

Choice B rationale

Restraining an agitated client who has become aggressive is an example of tertiary prevention. This intervention is applied after a crisis or illness has already occurred. The goal of tertiary prevention is to reduce the negative impact of an existing condition and prevent further deterioration. Restraint is used to manage a behavioral episode and prevent further harm, representing a response to a symptomatic event.

Choice C rationale

Teaching school-age children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol is an example of primary prevention. This action is proactive, aiming to prevent the onset of substance use disorders before they begin. By educating children about risks and promoting healthy choices, this intervention seeks to reduce the incidence of a specific health problem within the population, which is the core principle of primary prevention.

Choice D rationale

Conducting mental health assessments to screen for mental illness is a classic example of secondary prevention. Secondary prevention focuses on early detection and intervention for a disease or condition that is already present but may be asymptomatic or in its early stages. By screening at-risk populations, health care providers can identify mental illnesses early and initiate treatment, thereby preventing the condition from progressing and becoming more severe.

Choice A rationale

While nutrition is important for overall health, it is not the most critical factor for the success of a scheduled medication regimen. The client's ability to receive their long-acting antipsychotic injection at a specific time and location is dependent on their ability to get there, not on the availability of nutrition services. Missing a dose due to a lack of transportation directly impacts the medication's therapeutic effect, increasing the risk of symptom relapse.

Choice B rationale

Trust is foundational to any therapeutic relationship, but in this specific scenario of medication non-adherence, the most critical factor is the physical ability to receive the medication. While trust is necessary for the client to accept the injection, the plan's success hinges on their presence at the clinic every three weeks. Without reliable transportation, the highest level of trust will not enable the client to receive their dose.

Choice C rationale

The attitude of significant others can be supportive and influence a client's adherence, but it is not the most critical factor for the logistical success of this treatment plan. A positive attitude from family and friends cannot overcome the barrier of a lack of transportation to the clinic. The physical act of arriving for the injection is the primary hurdle that must be overcome for the plan to be successful, regardless of social support.

Choice D rationale

This is the most critical factor for the success of this treatment plan. Since the client must physically go to the clinic every three weeks to receive their injection, a lack of reliable transportation would make it impossible to adhere to the schedule. Medication non-adherence is a primary reason for symptom relapse in clients with schizophrenia; therefore, ensuring they can get to the clinic is paramount to maintaining therapeutic drug levels and preventing relapse.