At what point should the nurse determine that a client is at risk ...

[natalie2426]

At what point should the nurse determine that a client is at risk for developing a mental disorder?
 
  A. When thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are not reflective of the DSM-5 criteria
  B. When maladaptive responses to stress are coupled with interference in daily functioning
  C. When the client communicates significant distress
  D. When the client uses defense mechanisms as ego protection

Question 2

A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing occasional feelings of sadness because of the recent death of a beloved pet. The client's appetite, sleep patterns, and daily routine have not changed.
 
  How should the nurse interpret the client's behaviors? A. The client's behaviors demonstrate mental illness in the form of depression.
  B. The client's behaviors are extensive, which indicates the presence of mental illness.
  C. The client's behaviors are not congruent with cultural norms.
  D. The client's behaviors demonstrate no functional impairment, indicating no mental illness.

[debra928]

Answer to Question 1

B
The nurse should determine that the client is at risk for mental disorder when responses to stress are maladaptive and interfere with daily functioning. The DSM-5 indicates that in order to be diagnosed with a mental disorder, there must be significant disturbance in cognition, emotion, regulation, or behavior that reflects a dysfunction in the psychological, biological or developmental processes underlying mental functioning. These disorders are usually associated with significant distress or disability in social, occupational, or other important activities. The client's ability to communicate distress would be considered a positive attribute.

Answer to Question 2

D
The nurse should assess that the client's daily functioning is not impaired. The client who experiences feelings of sadness after the loss of a pet is responding within normal expectations. Without significant impairment, the client's distress does not indicate a mental illness.