An older adult has recently experienced a number of stressful life events. The client comes to the ambulatory clinic and tells the nurse that, "On top of all I've had to endure, now I've got this flu!"
In rendering care for this client, the nurse recognizes that:
a. the client is exhibiting attention-seeking behaviors to substitute for poor coping skills.
b. crisis and stressful situations may produce emotions that erode the health of the older people.
c. the client is exhibiting learned helplessness as a result of the recent stressors.
d. a period of crisis will ultimately lead to a lower level of physical and mental func-tioning.
ANS: B
Sustained stress can lead to physical consequences, particularly in older adults who have less re-serve than younger individuals. The client has experienced some major life stressors. Learned helplessness occurs when an individual has a perceived lack of control, which erodes the person's personality. A period of crisis can in fact lead to a higher level of functioning.
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