Final answer:
Considering developmental perspectives, the nurse should understand that past developmental failures might contribute to maladaptive coping in middle-aged adults. Erikson's psychosocial theory supports the idea that unresolved life conflicts can affect coping mechanisms. Therefore, interventions can be geared towards improving coping skills and considering the individual's environmental, social, and work-related factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
When caring for a middle-aged adult exhibiting maladaptive coping skills, the nurse must consider various aspects of growth and development. Option a. Developmental failures may lead to inadequacies, best captures the necessary perspective. From a growth and development standpoint, it acknowledges that failures to master developmental tasks throughout one's life can lead to feelings of inadequacy and consequently affect coping mechanisms in middle age. This perspective is supported by Erikson's psychosocial theory, which suggests that each stage of life presents a conflict or task to be resolved, and failure to do so can result in challenges later on, including potential difficulties in coping.
It is important to consider that coping skills are not fixed and can be improved with interventions such as cognitive rehabilitation or coping skills training, as indicated by research on interventions with family caregivers of hospice patients with cancer. Moreover, environmental and nutritional factors, social connectedness, and the significance of work and family life are also essential elements influencing the well-being of middle-aged adults.