The nurse understands that which factors are central to the dynamic of intimate partner violence?
Emotional injury and learned helplessness.
Poor communication and social isolation.
Power and control.
Erratic relationships and vulnerability.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Emotional injury and learned helplessness. While emotional injury and learned helplessness are significant consequences of intimate partner violence (IPV), they are not the central factors driving the dynamic of IPV. Learned helplessness refers to a state where the victim feels powerless to change their situation due to repeated exposure to traumatic events. Emotional injury is a result of the abuse but not a driving factor.
Choice B Reason:
Poor communication and social isolation. Poor communication and social isolation can exacerbate the situation but are not the primary factors central to the dynamic of IPV. Social isolation is often a tactic used by abusers to control their victims, but it is a consequence rather than a cause. Poor communication can contribute to misunderstandings and conflicts but is not the root cause of IPV.
Choice C Reason:
Power and control. This statement is correct. The central dynamic of intimate partner violence is the abuser’s desire to exert power and control over their partner. This need for dominance manifests through various abusive behaviors, including physical, emotional, psychological, and financial abuse. The Power and Control Wheel, a tool developed by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project, illustrates how different abusive tactics are used to maintain control over the victim.
Choice D Reason:
Erratic relationships and vulnerability. Erratic relationships and vulnerability are characteristics often seen in IPV situations but are not central to the dynamic. Vulnerability can make individuals more susceptible to abuse, and erratic relationships can be a symptom of the abuse, but they do not drive the abusive behavior5.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Their full therapeutic potential may not be reached until 4 weeks
This statement is correct. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) often take several weeks to reach their full therapeutic effect. Patients may start to notice some improvement within one to two weeks, but it can take up to four weeks or longer for the full benefits to be realized1. This delayed onset is due to the time it takes for the medication to build up in the system and exert its effects on neurotransmitter levels.

Choice B Reason: Aged cheese should not be eaten while taking them
This statement is incorrect. The dietary restriction of avoiding aged cheese is associated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), not tricyclic antidepressants. MAOIs can cause dangerous interactions with tyramine, a substance found in aged cheese and other foods, leading to hypertensive crises. TCAs do not have this dietary restriction.
Choice C Reason: They should not be given with antianxiety agents
This statement is incorrect. Tricyclic antidepressants can be used in conjunction with antianxiety agents under medical supervision. However, it is important to monitor for potential interactions and side effects. The combination can be beneficial for patients with comorbid depression and anxiety disorders.
Choice D Reason: They may cause hypomania or recent memory impairment
This statement is partially correct but not the best indicator of understanding. While TCAs can cause side effects such as memory impairment and, in rare cases, hypomania, these are not the primary concerns when teaching about the medication. The focus should be on understanding the therapeutic timeline and common side effects.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is d. Splitting.
Choice A Reason: Denial
Denial is a defense mechanism where an individual refuses to accept reality or facts, blocking external events from awareness. While denial can be present in various mental health conditions, it does not specifically explain the client’s sudden shift from idealizing to devaluing the nurse.
Choice B Reason: Separation-individuation
Separation-individuation refers to a developmental process where an individual differentiates themselves from others, particularly caregivers, and develops a sense of self. This concept is more relevant to early childhood development and does not directly explain the client’s behavior in this context.
Choice C Reason: Reaction formation
Reaction formation is a defense mechanism where an individual expresses feelings or behaviors that are opposite to their true feelings or desires. While this can occur in borderline personality disorder, it does not fully capture the client’s extreme shift in perception from positive to negative.
Choice D Reason: Splitting
Splitting is a hallmark characteristic of borderline personality disorder. It involves viewing people or situations in black-and-white terms, as either all good or all bad, with no middle ground. The client’s outburst, shifting from idealizing the nurse to seeing them as hateful, is a classic example of splitting. This defense mechanism helps individuals with borderline personality disorder manage their intense emotions and fears of abandonment.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
