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 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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Families that are isolated from other people, such as extended family, friends, and neighbors, are not typically considered a protective factor against adverse childhood experiences. Social isolation can actually increase the risk of mental health issues, as it can lead to feelings of loneliness and lack of social support.
Choice B rationale
Families where caregivers have college degrees or higher can often provide a more stable environment, both emotionally and financially. Higher levels of education are often linked to
better understanding of child development and more effective parenting strategies. Additionally, higher education is often associated with higher income, which can reduce stressors related to financial instability.
Choice C rationale
Families that include young caregivers or single parents can face additional stressors, such as financial strain and lack of social support, which can increase the risk of adverse childhood experiences. Therefore, this is not typically considered a protective factor.
Choice D rationale
Children who don’t feel close to their guardians and don’t feel loved are at a higher risk of developing mental health disorders. Feeling unloved and uncared for can lead to feelings of insecurity, low self-esteem, and difficulty forming healthy relationships later in life.
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