A client who has been diagnosed with panic disorder visits the clinic and experiences a panic attack. The client tells the nurse, I?m so nervous. My hands are shaking, and I?m sweating. I feel as if I?m having a stroke right now. Which of the following would the nurse do first?
- A. Stay with the client while remaining calm.
- B. Move the client to a safe environment.
- C. Tell the client that the attack will soon pass.
- D. Teach the client deep breathing techniques to calm her.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Staying with the client while remaining calm (A) is the first priority during a panic attack to provide reassurance and safety, reducing fear. Moving to a safe environment (B) is secondary, reassuring about duration (C) is less immediate, and teaching breathing (D) requires the client to be calmer first.
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A group of students is reviewing information about anxiety disorders in preparation for a class examination. The students demonstrate understanding of the material when they state which of the following?
- A. Anxiety disorders rank second to depression in psychiatric illnesses being treated.
- B. Women experience anxiety disorders more often than do men.
- C. Most anxiety disorders tend to be short term with individuals achieving full recovery.
- D. Anxiety disorders are more common in children than in adolescents.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Women experience anxiety disorders more frequently than men (B), likely due to hormonal and social factors. Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric conditions (A), many are chronic (C), and prevalence is higher in adolescents than children (D).
A nurse is developing the plan of care for a client with panic disorder that will include pharmacologic therapy. Which of the following would the nurse most likely expect to administer?
- A. Benzodiazepine
- B. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
- C. Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
- D. Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: SSRIs (B) are the first-line treatment for panic disorder due to their efficacy and safety profile for long-term management. Benzodiazepines (A) are used short-term, MAOIs (C) and TCAs (D) are less preferred due to side effects and dietary restrictions.
A nurse determines that a client who is experiencing anxiety is using relief behaviors. The nurse determines that the client is experiencing which degree of anxiety?
- A. Mild
- B. Moderate
- C. Severe
- D. Panic
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Relief behaviors, such as avoidance or rituals, are typically used in severe anxiety (C) to reduce overwhelming distress. Mild anxiety (A) enhances alertness, moderate (B) involves manageable distress, and panic (D) involves disorganized behavior, not specific relief behaviors.
A female client is diagnosed with panic disorder. The client tells the nurse that she hasn?t left her house in more than a month because she was afraid of another attack. She visited the mental health clinic today only because her son brought her. Which nursing diagnosis would be a priority for this client?
- A. Powerlessness related to symptoms of anxiety
- B. Decisional Conflict related to fear of leaving the house
- C. Ineffective Family Coping related to symptoms of anxiety
- D. Social Isolation related to fear of recurrence of anxiety symptoms
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Social Isolation (D) is the priority, as the client?s fear of panic attacks has led to avoiding leaving home, significantly impacting social functioning. Powerlessness (A) and decisional conflict (B) are relevant but less immediate, and ineffective family coping (C) is not supported by the scenario.
A client with panic disorder who has been prescribed sertraline in conjunction with alprazolam comes to the clinic for a follow-up. The client states, I stopped taking the alprazolam about 2 days ago. I was feeling really sleepy and tired. Which of the following would alert the nurse to suspect possible withdrawal? Select all that apply.
- A. Metallic taste
- B. Irritability
- C. Dry, flushed skin
- D. Tremor
- E. Muscle flaccidity
Correct Answer: B,D
Rationale: Abrupt cessation of alprazolam, a benzodiazepine, can cause withdrawal symptoms like irritability (B) and tremor (D) due to central nervous system rebound. Metallic taste (A), dry skin (C), and muscle flaccidity (E) are not typical withdrawal symptoms.
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