A Patient Is Thin, Tense, and Jittery and Has Dilated

question 30

Multiple Choice

A patient is thin, tense, and jittery and has dilated pupils. The patient says, "My heart is pounding in my chest. I need help." The patient allows vital signs to be taken but then becomes suspicious and says, "You could be trying to kill me." The patient refuses further examination. Abuse of which substance is most likely?

• A) PCP
• B) Heroin
• C) Barbiturates
• D) Amphetamines

---

Definitions:

Stress

A state of mental or emotional strain resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.

Hans Selye

A pioneering Hungarian-Canadian endocrinologist known for his research on the stress response and for defining the General Adaptation Syndrome, a theory of stress and the body's way of adapting to it.

Biological Response

Biological response refers to any reaction or change in an organism or any of its parts resulting from exposure to a specific stimulus or environment.

Role Conflict

The stress or dilemma that occurs when an individual is confronted with competing demands or expectations from different roles they play in their life.