Question

a nurse is providing care to a client who exhibits maladaptive anger. the client typically exhibits excessive outwardly directed anger. based on the nurse's understanding of medical conditions associated with this type of anger, the nurse would be alert for signs and symptoms of what condition?

Answer 1

A nurse observing a patient with excessive outwardly directed anger should be vigilant for heart disease, as there is a well-established link between high levels of anger and hostility and an increased risk of cardiovascular problems.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse caring for a client who exhibits maladaptive anger, especially excessive outwardly directed anger, should be alert for signs and symptoms of heart disease. Research shows that individuals who display high levels of anger and hostility may have an increased risk of developing heart disease. Those with intense anger responses were observed to have a significantly higher occurrence of heart attacks and heart disease by middle age compared to their less angry peers.

Anger and hostility are not just emotionally disruptive behaviours, but they can also cause social strain and antagonistic interactions, which may lead to cardiovascular responses that promote disease. Caregivers experiencing job dissatisfaction, treating patients in a childlike manner, or feeling burnt out may display patterns of verbal aggression and are more prone to depression and psychiatric disorders, furthering the risk.