Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What might some clients use to express their aggressive tendencies when facing challenges?

1. Supportive dialogue

2. Violence and aggression

3. Avoidance

4. Therapeutic communication

The correct answer is: Violence and aggression

Clients may use violence and aggression as a means to express their aggressive tendencies when confronting challenges due to a number of psychological and emotional factors. When individuals feel threatened, overwhelmed, or unable to cope with a situation, they may resort to aggressive behavior as a form of expressing their frustration or an attempt to regain control. This can manifest in various ways, including physical actions or verbal outbursts that are intended to intimidate or assert dominance. Understanding that aggression is often symptomatic of underlying issues, such as stress, fear, or a sense of powerlessness, is crucial. When individuals feel that they have no other means to communicate their needs or struggles, acting out aggressively may seem like the only option available to them. This behavior can serve as a dysfunctional coping mechanism that stops productive communication from occurring and can escalate conflicts rather than resolving them. In contrast, supportive dialogue, avoidance, and therapeutic communication are strategies that reflect healthier coping mechanisms, aimed at resolving issues constructively rather than resorting to harm or hostility. These approaches foster understanding, provide emotional support, and open channels for discussion, all critical in addressing conflicts in a more positive manner.