Unit 21 Anger & Aggression

Question 1

When does anger become a problem?

Answer 1

When it is not expressed or when it is expressed aggressively

Question 2

Describe Anger.

Answer 2

• Not a primary emotion, IT IS LEARNED
• SIGNIFICANTLY different from aggression
• Anger has positive and negative functions
• Capable of being under control

Question 3

Describe Aggression.

Answer 3

• Behavior intended to threaten or injure the victim’s security of self-esteem.
• Can cause damage with words, or actually physicality

Question 4

What is modeling?

Answer 4

• Method by which we learn behaviors

- Usually we model primary caregivers

Question 5

What are some factors to anger and aggression?

Answer 5

Neurophysiological disorders: such as brain tumors, brain trauma, epilepsy

Biochemical factors: -aggressive behaviors may have some correlation to alterations in brain chemicals

• Hormonal dysfunction
• Alterations in epinephrine, dopamine, serotonin, etc.

Environmental factors:

• Physical crowding of ppl
• Discomfort with increase in environmental tempurature
• Use of alcohol and other drugs like cocaine, steroids, etc.
• Availability of firearms

Question 6

How can Anger be identified? How do we see it?

Answer 6

• Frowning
• Clenched fists
• Yelling
• Intense or no eye contact
• Defensive
• Passive Aggressive
• Tension

Question 7

How can Aggression be identified?

Answer 7

• Pacing
• Restlessness
• Tense face and body
• Verbal or physical threats
• Threats of homicide or suicide
• Loud shouting and use of obscenities
• Argumentative
• Overreaction to stimuli
• Disturbed thought processes
• Suspiciousness

Question 8

What are the three risk factors for aggression?

Answer 8

Past Hx of violence
Client Dx
Current Behavior

Question 9

What is considered the most widely recognized factor for violence?

Answer 9

Past Hx of violence

Question 10

The most common dx’s associated with violence include….

Answer 10

Substance abuse disorders

Psychotic disorders (Schizophrenia, Bipolar)

Personality disorders (borderline personality, antisocial)

Organic mental disorders (dementia, delirium)

Question 11

What is prodromal syndrome?

Answer 11

Impending violence

Question 12

What behaviors are predictive of impending violence?

Answer 12

• Rigid posture
• Clenched fists and jaws
• Talking in a rapid, raised voice
• Arguing and demanding
• Using profanity
• Agitation and pacing
• Pounding and slamming

Question 13

What does the nurse do during anger and aggression?

Answer 13

• Remain calm
• Monitor escalation of anger
• Avoid touching client
• Help determine source of anger
• Ignore derogatory remarks
• Help find alternative ways of releasing tension

When behaviors are observed, FIRST ensure the sufficient staff is available

Question 14

What are techniques for dealing with aggression?

Answer 14

• talking down
• physical outlets
• medications
• restraints
• staff debriefing