Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

When documenting a client with exaggerated emotional reactions, which term should the nurse use?

1. Stable

2. Tenuous stability

3. Emotional resilience

4. Chronic instability

The correct answer is: Tenuous stability

The term "tenuous stability" is appropriate for documenting a client with exaggerated emotional reactions as it reflects a state of emotional balance that is fragile or hasn't fully solidified. Clients with exaggerated emotions often display a range of moods and feelings that can fluctuate rapidly, making the idea of stability seem precarious. Using "tenuous stability" acknowledges that while there may be moments of emotional steadiness, they are not reliable or sustainable over time. This terminology helps convey the complexity of the client’s emotional state, indicating that any sense of stability is tentative and could easily be disrupted by stressors. The other terms do not accurately encapsulate this nuanced emotional experience. "Stable" suggests a consistent emotional state, which contradicts the concept of exaggerated reactions. "Emotional resilience" implies the ability to recover quickly from difficulties, which is not compatible with the scenario described. "Chronic instability" suggests a permanent state of emotional upheaval, which may not reflect any moments of balance the client experiences. Thus, "tenuous stability" effectively captures the precarious nature of the client's emotional condition.