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A client is diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and is prescribed medication therapy. Which agent would the nurse expect to administer to the client to obtain the quickest relief from anxiety symptoms?
- A. Buspirone
- B. Venlafaxine
- C. Alprazolam
- D. Imipramine
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Alprazolam (C), a benzodiazepine, provides the fastest relief from anxiety symptoms due to its rapid onset. Buspirone (A) and venlafaxine (B) take weeks to be effective, and imipramine (D), a TCA, is slower and less used for GAD.
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A nurse is preparing an in-service presentation about panic disorders and associated theories related to the cause. When describing the cognitive-behavioral concepts associated with panic disorders, which of the following would the nurse expect to address?
- A. Personal losses
- B. Conditioned response
- C. Early separation
- D. Dysfunctional family communication
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cognitive-behavioral theory links panic disorder to a conditioned response (B), where physical sensations are misinterpreted as catastrophic, triggering panic. Personal losses (A), early separation (C), and dysfunctional communication (D) are more relevant to psychoanalytic theories.
A client with a panic disorder has been prescribed a benzodiazepine medication. Which of the following would the nurse emphasize as a risk associated with using this medication?
- A. Dietary restrictions
- B. Withdrawal symptoms
- C. Agitation
- D. Fecal impaction
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Benzodiazepines (B) carry a significant risk of withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety and seizures, if stopped abruptly, necessitating careful tapering. Dietary restrictions (A) apply to MAOIs, agitation (C) is a symptom not a risk, and fecal impaction (D) is unrelated.
The nurse has instructed a client with panic disorder about how to use the technique of positive self-talk. The nurse determines that the client has understood the instructions when the client verbalizes which statement to use during an impending panic attack?
- A. I am feeling very nervous right now.
- B. I can handle this anxiety; it will be over shortly.
- C. I am taking medication to eliminate these symptoms.
- D. Relax your muscles, relax your muscles.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Positive self-talk (B) involves reassuring statements that empower the client to manage anxiety, such as affirming control and the transient nature of the attack. Stating nervousness (A) reinforces anxiety, medication reliance (C) is not self-talk, and muscle relaxation (D) is a different technique.
The nurse is planning a presentation to a group of nursing students on the topic of anxiety disorders. Which of the following would the nurse include when describing panic disorder?
- A. Individuals may believe they are having a heart attack when a panic attack occurs.
- B. People with panic attacks often have fewer attacks if they also have agoraphobia.
- C. Typically, individuals experience this disorder after the age of 30 years.
- D. Persons rarely have an underlying comorbid condition of depression.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Panic disorder (A) is characterized by sudden, intense fear often mistaken for a heart attack due to symptoms like chest pain and palpitations. Agoraphobia (B) typically increases attack frequency due to fear of public spaces, onset is often earlier than 30 (C), and depression is a common comorbidity (D), making these options incorrect.
A nurse is developing a teaching plan for a client with generalized anxiety disorder, focusing on nutrition. Which of the following would the nurse encourage the client to avoid? Select all that apply.
- A. Coffee
- B. Ginseng
- C. Milk products
- D. Citrus juices
- E. Aged cheese
Correct Answer: A,B
Rationale: Coffee (A) and ginseng (B) are stimulants that can exacerbate anxiety symptoms in GAD. Milk products (C), citrus juices (D), and aged cheese (E) are not typically contraindicated unless specific sensitivities exist.