Following the death of a spouse, a client is prescribed a short-term use of lorazepam. Which is the best rationale to support taking this medication at bedtime?
- A. Deters the client from driving under the influence
- B. Prevents nightmares and obsessive thoughts
- C. Induces drowsiness and sleep
- D. Causes dizziness and lightheadedness
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Antianxiety drugs such as lorazepam can cause drowsiness and induce sleep. Because many clients with anxiety disorders also have insomnia, taking the medication at bedtime will promote sleep. Nightmares and obsessive thoughts may be decreased through the induction of sleep. Using the drug at bedtime is not for the purpose of deterring driving. This drug can cause dizziness and light-headedness in some clients.
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A client who has an intense fear of flying has elected to participate in a therapy that culminates in a short air flight. This is an example of which type of therapy?
- A. Psychotherapy
- B. Cognitive therapy
- C. Behavioral therapy
- D. Alternative therapy
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Desensitization is a form of behavioral therapy and attempts to extinguish undesirable responses by learning adaptive techniques. Emotional support is provided while the client is gradually coached through experiences that provoke anxiety. Eventually, the client will be able to tolerate the anxiety-provoking experience independently. Psychotherapy involves talking with a psychiatrist, psychologist, or other clinical specialist. Cognitive therapy is a form of psychotherapy in which the therapist assists the client in correcting faulty belief systems. Alternative therapy is the use of techniques to manage anxiety through relaxation techniques and physical exercise.
What is a true statement regarding a panic disorder?
- A. Slow onset of physical symptoms
- B. Lasts several minutes
- C. The first instinct is to escape to a safer place.
- D. Marked by hypotension and bradycardia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In panic disorder, the first instinct is to escape to a safer place. Episodes of panic may last minutes to less than 1 hour and then spontaneously subside. People who are affected experience an abrupt onset of physical symptoms and terror that include intense apprehension.
Following a severe automobile accident, the client reports insomnia and terrifying nightmares. The symptoms persist for months. Diagnostic testing reveals no physical basis for these recurrent symptoms. These symptoms suggest the client is experiencing which of the following?
- A. Exaggerated fear
- B. Panic attack
- C. Phobic disorder
- D. Post-traumatic stress disorder
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition of delayed anxiety response that can occur after an emotionally traumatic event. The circumstances of the event can be an actual or threatened injury to self or others. Exaggerated fear, panic attack, and phobic disorder are not indicated with insomnia and/or nightmares following a traumatic event.
The nurse is evaluating an older adult client who, for the past year, has been constantly fretful and worries about finances, living alone, and being lonely. The nurse understands these are symptoms of which type of anxiety disorder?
- A. Generalized anxiety disorder
- B. Phobic disorder
- C. Posttraumatic stress disorder
- D. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by chronic, daily worrying for 6 months or more. Phobic disorder is characterized by an exaggerated and irrational fear, such as the fear of insects, animals, or various life experiences such as riding on a roller coaster or flying on an airplane, some of which are potentially dangerous. Posttraumatic stress disorder is a condition that involves a delayed anxiety response 3 or more months after an emotionally traumatic experience. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is manifested by the performance of an anxiety-relieving ritual to terminate a disturbing, persistent, and recurring thought.
A client who reports moderate to severe anxiety requires intervention. What technique(s) suggested by the nurse would be helpful in assisting this client in the management of anxiety? Select all that apply.
- A. Use rapid respirations
- B. Take a cool shower or bath
- C. Visualize a relaxing place
- D. Listen to music
- E. Smoke a cigarette
- F. Progressively tighten muscles
Correct Answer: C,D
Rationale: Visualizing a relaxing place is using imagery to relax the client. Listening to music can be a distraction and help to lessen anxiety-provoking stimuli. Slow breathing, taking a warm shower, avoiding alcohol and nicotine, and progressively relaxing muscle groups are additional techniques that are helpful to decrease anxiety.
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