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?”
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Asking both clients to take a time out in their separate rooms may not be the best first intervention. This approach might not address the root cause of the argument and could potentially escalate the situation if one or both of the residents feel unfairly treated.
Choice B rationale
Distracting the clients by asking them to participate in an activity is the most appropriate first intervention. This approach can help defuse the situation and redirect the residents’ attention away from the argument. It’s a non-confrontational way to de-escalate the situation and can help maintain a peaceful environment in the facility.
Choice C rationale
Sending both clients into seclusion is not an appropriate first intervention. Seclusion should be used as a last resort and only when the residents pose a risk to themselves or others. In this case, the argument does not seem to have escalated to a level that would warrant such a drastic measure.
Choice D rationale
Physically restraining both clients is not an appropriate first intervention. Restraints should only be used as a last resort when there is an immediate risk of harm to the residents or others. In this case, the argument does not seem to have escalated to a level that would warrant physical restraint.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuit (CSTC) of the brain is associated with feelings of fear. Anxiety disorders are characterized by an overactivation of this circuit, leading to excessive fear responses14.
Choice B rationale
The amygdala-centered (ACC) circuit of the brain is not typically associated with feelings of apprehension. The ACC is more commonly associated with processing emotions and fear learning14.
Choice C rationale
The cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuit (CSTC) of the brain is not specifically associated with phobias. While this circuit plays a role in fear responses, it is not specific to phobic responses14.
Choice D rationale
The amygdala-centered (ACC) circuit of the brain is associated with feelings of panic. However, it is not the only brain circuit involved in anxiety. Other circuits, including the CSTC, also play important roles14.
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