Ch 20 Management of Anger, Aggression, and Violence Flashcards
Neurobiologic factors are increasingly being explored as an explanation for aggressive behavior.
Brain neuroimaging studies show that aggressive behavior is linked to damage of brain structures located in the limbic, frontal, and temporal lobes.
A nurse is beginning the process of providing therapy to a client with anger management problems. When implementing this therapy, which should occur first to promote optimal effectiveness?
Development of a therapeutic relationship
A psychiatric-mental health nurse is reviewing information about biologic theories associated with aggression. The nurse identifies which structure as being primarily involved?
Cerebral Cortex
Some people try to express their angry feelings by engaging in aggressive but safe activities, such as hitting a punching bag or yelling. Which of the following terms is used to describe an activity used to release anger?
Catharsis
Low levels of which neurotransmitter may lead to aggressive behavior?
Low levels of serotonin may lead to aggressive behavior.
Which is a true statement regarding anger?
Humans can choose to slow their reactions and to think and behave differently in response to various events.
A nurse is working with a client who has frequent angry outbursts. Which statement is most helpful when working with this client?
“Anger is a normal feeling, and you can use it to solve problems.”
As the nurse is performing an assessment on the client, the client is yelling and is hitting the hand with a rolled up newspaper. Which stage of aggression does the nurse identify that the client is exhibiting?
During the escalation phase of aggression, a person may yell and threaten, clench fists, and have other threatening gestures.
Which staff behaviors are most likely to trigger clients who are predisposed to aggressive or violent behavior?
Engaging in disputes over medication, supplies, or rules on the unit
One of the first steps that a nurse should take to deal effectively with aggressive clients is what?
Reflect on abilities to handle own feelings of anger
The nurse must be aware of how he or she deals with anger before helping clients do so
A nurse’s response to aggressive behavior on the unit is influenced by which characteristic of the nurse?
Self-awareness of reactions to aggression by others
According to Johnson’s systematic review of the literature about violence on inpatient psychiatric units, what is a predictor of violence?
Involuntary hospitalization, suspiciousness, impulsivity, agitation, and an unwillingness to follow unit rules are among the predictors identified in Johnson’s (2004) systematic review of the literature about violence on inpatient psychiatric units.
A nurse is reading a journal article about psychoanalytic theories associated with aggression and violence. Which method would the nurse identify as being used by Freud to treat individuals who were aggressive?
catharsis and expressing emotions.
The nurse in the psychiatric unit is aware the atmosphere can change at any time. At which point in the stages of aggressive incidents is intervention least likely to be effective in preventing physically aggressive behavior?
Crisis
Interventions during the triggering and escalation phases are key to prevent physically aggressive behavior
