A client has been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Shortness of breath
- B. Chest pain
- C. Excessive worry
- D. Decreased appetite
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Individuals with generalized anxiety disorder commonly exhibit symptoms like excessive worry, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating. Physical manifestations such as muscle tension and sleep disturbances are also prevalent. Shortness of breath and chest pain are more commonly associated with panic attacks rather than generalized anxiety disorder. Decreased appetite may be present in some cases, but excessive worry is a hallmark characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder.
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A healthcare provider is assessing a client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which of the following findings should the healthcare provider expect? Select one that does not apply.
- A. Restlessness
- B. Fatigue
- C. Excessive worry
- D. Mania
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), common symptoms include restlessness, fatigue, and excessive worry. These symptoms are typical in individuals with GAD due to persistent and excessive anxiety. Mania, on the other hand, is not a characteristic symptom of GAD. Mania is associated with bipolar disorder and is characterized by distinct features like elevated mood, grandiosity, and impulsivity. Therefore, the correct answer is 'D: Mania,' as it does not align with the expected findings in generalized anxiety disorder.
A patient presents in the Emergency Department immediately following a shooting incident in a school where she has been teaching. There is no evidence of physical injury, but she appears very hyperactive and talkative. Which of these symptoms manifested by the patient is an uncommon initial biological response to stress?
- A. Constricted pupils
- B. Watery eyes
- C. Palpitations
- D. Increased heart rate
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Increased lacrimal secretions, palpitations, and increased heart rate are common initial biological responses to stress. Constricted pupils are not typical in the initial response to stress and are more associated with the opposite response, the Rest and Digest system. Watery eyes, palpitations, and increased heart rate are indicative of the body's fight or flight response to stress. Unusual food cravings are not a typical biological response to stress.
A client has been prescribed fluoxetine (Prozac) for the treatment of depression. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the discharge instructions?
- A. Take the medication at bedtime to avoid daytime drowsiness.
- B. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
- C. Take the medication with a full glass of water.
- D. Stop taking the medication if you feel better.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid drinking alcohol while taking fluoxetine (Prozac) because alcohol can increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness. It is important to follow this instruction to ensure the safe and effective use of the medication in the treatment of depression. Choice A is incorrect because fluoxetine (Prozac) is usually taken in the morning to prevent insomnia. Choice C is not a crucial instruction for this medication. Choice D is incorrect as abruptly stopping fluoxetine can lead to withdrawal symptoms and should only be done under medical supervision.
A client has been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and expresses worrying about their job, family, and health, feeling a loss of control. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Administer a prescribed antianxiety medication.
- B. Encourage the client to attend a support group.
- C. Identify triggers of the client's anxiety.
- D. Teach the client deep breathing techniques.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The initial step for the nurse is to teach the client deep breathing techniques to aid in managing anxiety symptoms. Deep breathing exercises can help the client relax, reduce anxiety levels, and regain a sense of control. This intervention is non-invasive, empowering the client to develop a coping strategy for immediate use when feeling overwhelmed by anxiety. Administering medication (Choice A) should not be the first action unless the client is in severe distress. Encouraging attendance at a support group (Choice B) and identifying triggers of anxiety (Choice C) are important but teaching coping strategies like deep breathing comes first to help the client feel more in control of managing their anxiety.
When planning care for a client with schizophrenia, which of the following interventions should be included in the plan of care?
- A. Encourage reality testing
- B. Provide opportunities for socialization
- C. Monitor for command hallucinations
- D. Promote adherence to medication regimen
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When caring for a client with schizophrenia, encouraging reality testing is essential. This intervention assists the client in distinguishing between delusions and reality, aiding in their treatment. While providing opportunities for socialization can help reduce isolation, monitoring for command hallucinations is crucial for the client's safety. Promoting adherence to the medication regimen is vital for symptom management. Addressing delusional thoughts in a therapeutic manner is preferable to outright discouragement, fostering a supportive environment for the client.