The client who is waiting to be transported to the operating room tells the nurse of a fear of waking up during the operation. The client is visibly upset with sweaty palms, wringing of the hands, and increased heart rate. Which is the best action to be taken by the nurse?
- A. Postpone the surgery until another day/time.
- B. Allow the family to spend time with the client.
- C. Contact chaplain services and request a visit from clergy.
- D. Stay with the client until anesthesiologist evaluates situation.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The primary goal for nursing management of this client is to restore comfort. The nurse should validate the client's feelings, remain present, and share concerns with the anesthesiologist. If the client's fear cannot be calmed, the surgery may need to be postponed. Allowing the client to spend time with the family may be helpful but does not address the fear of anesthesia. The presence of clergy may be calming for a client with spiritual needs. Restoring calm and comfort to the client is important prior to procedures.
You may also like to solve these questions
Which level of anxiety is constructive and prepares a person to take action in appropriate situations?
- A. Moderate
- B. Severe
- C. Mild
- D. Panic
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Mild anxiety is constructive and prepares a person to take action in appropriate situations. In moderate anxiety, the person is more easily distracted. The attention span decreases in severe anxiety. In panic anxiety, the person exaggerates details.
Which of the following is a behavioral manifestation of panic anxiety?
- A. Tense muscles
- B. Narrowed perception
- C. Fragmented thoughts
- D. Intact reality
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Fragmented thoughts are a manifestation of panic anxiety. The presence of muscle tenseness is a physical manifestation. In moderate anxiety, perception narrows; in mild anxiety, reality is intact.
Avoiding places or situations in which panic attacks occur is how the client with agoraphobia manages fears. Which is a common symptom of agoraphobia?
- A. Surrounding self with family and friends
- B. Avoiding strangers
- C. Avoiding feelings of anxiety
- D. Feeling safer at home
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: People with agoraphobia confine themselves to home where they feel safe. The greatest fear for a person with this disorder is having a panic attack and losing control in public. Peopleâ??family, friends, or strangersâ??are less of an issue than being able to control the location (home). Anxiety disorders such as agoraphobia do not have a logical explanation and cannot be controlled through avoiding feelings of anxiety.
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.
A client who is a nursing student reports increased anxiety with test iniziative. Which behavioral technique is most appropriate for this client to put into practice?
- A. Write 'I can do this' on an index card and place in view.
- B. Use breathing techniques to reduce anxiety.
- C. Use meditation prior to exams.
- D. Participate in a study group and prepare well before exams.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Behavioral therapy is used to coach a client to engage in some form of distraction or perform relaxation or breathing exercises to overcome symptoms. Teaching the student how to use breathing techniques can be helpful during stress-inducing exams. Writing 'I can do this' on a card is a form of cognitive therapy and provides positive thinking. Use of meditation can be helpful in the management of generalized anxiety but is not practical in a classroom setting. Studying and preparing for exams is expected but is not a behavioral technique that is helpful during test-taking events.
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