The community health nurse recognizes that which of the following mental health issues is most prevalent in the homeless population?

The correct answer is choice B: Is an aversion therapy that produces unpleasant consequences for undesirable behavior.

Choice A rationale:

Decreases or eliminates a behavior by introducing a more adaptive behavior that is incompatible with the unacceptable behavior. Choice A refers to the technique of "differential reinforcement," where an undesirable behavior is replaced by a more appropriate behavior. This technique involves reinforcing positive behaviors while ignoring or providing minimal attention to negative behaviors. It is not the same as covert sensitization.

Choice B rationale:

Is an aversion therapy that produces unpleasant consequences for undesirable behavior. Covert sensitization is a form of aversion therapy used to eliminate unwanted behaviors by associating them with unpleasant imagery or thoughts. It's based on the principle that if a person can associate a negative response with a certain behavior, they will be less likely to engage in that behavior. This technique is used for behaviors like addiction or certain compulsive behaviors.

Choice C rationale:

An aversive stimulus or punishment during which the client is removed from the environment where the unacceptable behavior is being exhibited. Choice C refers to "time-out," a technique used to decrease undesirable behaviors by removing the individual from the environment where the behavior is occurring. This is often used with children and involves giving them a brief break from a situation to help them calm down. It's not the same as covert sensitization.

Choice D rationale:

Relies on an individual's imagination rather than medication for unpleasant symptoms. Choice D is not directly related to covert sensitization. Covert sensitization involves creating a negative association with a behavior using mental imagery. It's not about relying on imagination instead of medication.

Choice A rationale:

An anxiety reaction is the most appropriate explanation for the toddler's behavior of sitting quietly in the corner of the crib, sucking her thumb, and turning away from the nurse. These behaviors suggest that the toddler is experiencing anxiety due to the absence of her mother. Sucking the thumb is a common self-soothing mechanism in young children, and the behavior of turning away from the nurse can be seen as an attempt to cope with the separation.

Choice B rationale:

Resentment toward the mother is less likely in this context, as the toddler's behavior is more indicative of distress and anxiety related to separation from her mother rather than directed resentment.

Choice C rationale:

Developing autonomy is not the primary explanation for these behaviors. While developing autonomy is an important developmental milestone for toddlers, the described behavior is more suggestive of anxiety and coping with separation rather than a deliberate expression of autonomy.

Choice D rationale:

Regression refers to reverting to an earlier developmental stage in response to stress or difficulty. While regression can occur in response to hospitalization and separation from caregivers, the toddler's behavior of sitting quietly and sucking her thumb is better explained by anxiety than by regression to an earlier developmental stage.