Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

Which symptom indicates that someone may be suffering from adjustment disorder after a significant loss?

1. Persistent risk-taking behavior.

2. Long-term lack of motivation.

3. Tearfulness and anxiety shortly after the event.

4. Inability to recall past events.

The correct answer is: Tearfulness and anxiety shortly after the event.

The identification of tearfulness and anxiety shortly after a significant loss as a potential symptom of adjustment disorder is well-supported in clinical practice. Adjustment disorder is characterized by emotional or behavioral symptoms that arise in response to a specific stressor, such as the death of a loved one. These reactions typically manifest within three months following the stressful event and can include feelings of sadness, tearfulness, anxiety, and distress. The presence of tearfulness and anxiety indicates an emotional struggle in adapting to the new reality created by the loss, which aligns with the diagnostic criteria for adjustment disorder. The other symptoms listed, while they may be relevant in different contexts, do not specifically indicate adjustment disorder. Persistent risk-taking behavior could suggest underlying issues such as depression or impulsivity rather than direct adaptation challenges. Long-term lack of motivation may indicate a more pervasive mood disorder, possibly major depressive disorder, especially if it persists beyond the typical adjustment period. Lastly, the inability to recall past events is more indicative of trauma-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, rather than adjustment disorder, which is focused on response to a triggering event without significant memory impairments.