Chapter 15: Problems of Adulthood

The nurse is caring for an adult male client who lacks a strong sense of personal identity. With which area of development will this client most likely struggle the most?

Social

_________ is a major challenge for adults because energies are not concentrated on the self, and the demands can create feelings of anxiety, isolation, inadequacy, and helplessness.

Parenting

An adult male client is admitted to a mental health facility with the diagnosis of depression following the breakup of a long-term engagement. He states that he couldnt commit to marriage. In conducting his admission assessment, the nurse learns that during his childhood he did not feel guided, nurtured, or accepted by his parents. One of the goals for this client is to help him develop a positive personal identity. Which intervention should the nurse implement to meet this goal?

Discern his feelings about relationship choices and level of commitment.

The term sandwich generation best describes adults:

Caring for their children and aging parents

An increasing number of are the head of the household of families in the United States.

Single women

The nurse is caring for a client who is a single mother of two young children, has no financial or parental support from her ex-husband, is troubled by her financial circumstances and future, and works at a local fast-food restaurant. She is seeking help for depression. What is the nurses best action?

Assist the client in seeking educational and/or vocational programs for single parents.

An adult female calls a crisis hotline stating that she moved a few months ago to seek a new job in a big city. She is crying and says that she doesnt think she can stand being so lonely anymore but doesnt want to move back to her small home town and face her family and friends as a failure. What is the nurses first response?

Can you tell me what you mean by your statement that you dont think you can stand being lonely anymore?

AFRAIDS is a condition that most likely would be seen in:

Individuals in a heterosexual monogamous relationship

How many people in the United States have a severe mental illness?

5.4 million

When the nursing care plan for a client with a mental health disorder is developed, what is the most likely reason that interventions are ineffective and goals are not met?

The client sees his goals as less important.

A 42-year-old male client continues to enter into business deals that cause him to lose large amounts of money. He subsequently seeks mental health care for stress-related disorders. Which characteristic of a successful adult is this client lacking?

Learning from past decisions

A 68-year-old woman tells the nurse that since she retired a few months ago, she has been taking it easy by sleeping later and staying around the house to rest. She has recently noticed that she is having a little trouble with remembering things. The nurse is aware that intellectual development is continuous and suggests to the client:

You might think about volunteering somewhere to keep your mind sharp.

A 49-year-old woman who has been the owner of a successful large business for several years decides to sell her business and move to a remote island to open a small dress shop. She most likely has made this decision based on her need to:

Avoid becoming stagnant in her life.

A 37-year-old client who has been divorced for several years recently lost joint custody of a 10-year-old daughter because of drug and alcohol use, along with nonpayment of child support. The client is referred to the clinic as the result of a court order. When arriving at the clinic, the client has been on a drinking binge for 2 days. What is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for this client?

Coping, ineffective

A 45-year-old woman is admitted to an inpatient mental health facility with the diagnosis of severe depression. She lives by herself and has been very active in her community for many years. During the past 6 months, she has become increasingly withdrawn from her family and friends and was terminated from her job because of excessive absenteeism. When she arrives on the unit, she makes little eye contact with the nurse, has a flat affect, and answers with one or two words. What is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for this patient?

Hopelessness

____% of the adult population in the United States has a mental health disorder.

Twenty five

A 35-year-old woman in a managerial position has had a number of employees under her supervision resign or transfer to other departments over the past year. In addition, she has rarely had a close personal relationship for more than a few months. She feels other people just dont measure up to my expectations. Her situation is the result of a possible _____ disorder.

Personality

A newly married couple residing in a large city is expecting the birth of their first child in 3 months. The wife wishes to maintain her career and remain in their apartment. The husband has expressed the desire to relocate to a more suburban setting to raise their child. Their ability to successfully face this challenge depends upon their ability to:

Negotiate a mutually satisfying solution.

An obese woman is seen in the emergency department complaining of headaches. Her blood pressure is 150/92. Also present are her 4-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter. When the nurse offers to call a family member to pick up the children, the woman states that they are living alone in a womens shelter. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?

Assess the familys daily living needs and consult social work for community resources.

The parents of a 21-year-old college student who attended church services on a consistent basis are concerned when their child returns home from college and announces she is converting to another religion. This individual is most likely experiencing:

The need to challenge a value and belief system

Which statements describe the adult who has achieved the successful emotional development of adulthood? (Select all that apply.)

The adult is able to function effectively in a stressful environment.

The adult is able to adapt to growing older.

The adult sets realistic personal and professional goals.

One of the ways in which the social development of adults can be assessed is by observing the individuals ability to effectively communicate with whom? (Select all that apply.)

His or her significant other

His or her children

His or her co-workers

Therapeutic interventions are effective in the prevention of mental and emotional disorders and assisting the client to cope. Which of the following interventions assist in providing for a positive personal identity? (Select all that apply.)

Develop career path and goals.

Recognize how emotions influence achievement of goals and relationships.

Adulthood is defined as beginning at age ____ years and ending at age ____ years.

18, 65