Unit 21 Anger & Aggression Flashcards
When does anger become a problem?
When it is not expressed or when it is expressed aggressively
Describe Anger.
- Not a primary emotion, IT IS LEARNED
- SIGNIFICANTLY different from aggression
- Anger has positive and negative functions
- Capable of being under control
Describe Aggression.
- Behavior intended to threaten or injure the victim’s security of self-esteem.
- Can cause damage with words, or actually physicality
What is modeling?
- Method by which we learn behaviors
- Usually we model primary caregivers
What are some factors to anger and aggression?
Neurophysiological disorders: such as brain tumors, brain trauma, epilepsy
Biochemical factors: -aggressive behaviors may have some correlation to alterations in brain chemicals
- Hormonal dysfunction
- Alterations in epinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, etc.
Environmental factors:
- Physical crowding of ppl
- Discomfort with increase in environmental tempurature
- Use of alcohol and other drugs like cocaine, steroids, etc.
- Availability of firearms
How can Anger be identified? How do we see it?
- Frowning
- Clenched fists
- Yelling
- Intense or no eye contact
- Defensive
- Passive Aggressive
- Tension
How can Aggression be identified?
- Pacing
- Restlessness
- Tense face and body
- Verbal or physical threats
- Threats of homicide or suicide
- Loud shouting and use of obscenities
- Argumentative
- Overreaction to stimuli
- Disturbed thought processes
- Suspiciousness
What are the three risk factors for aggression?
Past Hx of violence
Client Dx
Current Behavior
What is considered the most widely recognized factor for violence?
Past Hx of violence
The most common dx’s associated with violence include….
Substance abuse disorders
Psychotic disorders (Schizophrenia, Bipolar)
Personality disorders (borderline personality, antisocial)
Organic mental disorders (dementia, delirium)
What is prodromal syndrome?
Impending violence
What behaviors are predictive of impending violence?
- Rigid posture
- Clenched fists and jaws
- Talking in a rapid, raised voice
- Arguing and demanding
- Using profanity
- Agitation and pacing
- Pounding and slamming
What does the nurse do during anger and aggression?
- Remain calm
- Monitor escalation of anger
- Avoid touching client
- Help determine source of anger
- Ignore derogatory remarks
- Help find alternative ways of releasing tension
When behaviors are observed, FIRST ensure the sufficient staff is available
What are techniques for dealing with aggression?
- talking down
- physical outlets
- medications
- restraints
- staff debriefing
