ATI RN Mental Health Asn Related

Review ATI RN Mental Health Asn related questions and content

A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who reports chest pain, headache, and shortness of breath. He continues to state, “I don't know why my wife left me.” The client receives a diagnosis of anxiety. The nurse realizes the client’s findings support which level of anxiety?

  • A. Mild
  • B. Moderate
  • C. Severe
  • D. Panic
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Panic. The client is experiencing severe physical symptoms (chest pain, headache, shortness of breath) and is unable to identify the source of his distress, which indicates a high level of anxiety. Panic level is characterized by overwhelming fear and physical symptoms that can mimic a heart attack. Mild anxiety (A) is characterized by minor discomfort, moderate anxiety (B) involves increased heart rate and muscle tension, and severe anxiety (C) includes more pronounced physical symptoms. In this case, the client's presentation aligns most closely with panic level anxiety.