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What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack?
- A. Encourage the patient to talk about their feelings.
- B. Provide a safe, calm environment.
- C. Administer prescribed anti-anxiety medication.
- D. Teach the patient deep breathing exercises.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack is to provide a safe, calm environment. This action is crucial as it helps reduce the patient's anxiety and creates a sense of security, which can aid in managing the panic attack effectively. Encouraging the patient to talk about their feelings, administering medication, or teaching deep breathing exercises can be beneficial interventions, but creating a safe and calm environment takes precedence in addressing the immediate needs of the patient during a panic attack.
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What is the most appropriate intervention for a patient experiencing severe anxiety?
- A. Encourage the patient to talk about their anxiety.
- B. Teach the patient deep breathing exercises.
- C. Remain with the patient and provide a calm presence.
- D. Suggest the patient engage in physical activity.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When a patient is experiencing severe anxiety, remaining with the patient and providing a calm presence is the most appropriate intervention. This approach can help the patient feel supported and safe, which can help in reducing their anxiety levels. Encouraging the patient to talk about their anxiety may not be suitable during a severe anxiety episode, as it can potentially escalate their distress. Teaching deep breathing exercises can be helpful, but in cases of severe anxiety, the patient may find it challenging to focus on such techniques. Suggesting physical activity may not be suitable as the patient might not be in a state to engage in such activities when experiencing severe anxiety.
Which symptom is most commonly associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
- A. Frequent panic attacks
- B. Persistent and excessive worry
- C. Recurrent, intrusive thoughts
- D. Compulsive behaviors
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Persistent and excessive worry. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about a variety of things, even when there is little or no reason to worry. This worry is difficult to control and can significantly impact daily life. While panic attacks, recurrent intrusive thoughts, and compulsive behaviors can occur in other anxiety disorders, persistent and excessive worry is the hallmark symptom of GAD. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the primary symptom associated with GAD.
A patient with social anxiety disorder is learning cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques. Which skill is most likely being taught?
- A. Avoiding social situations that cause anxiety
- B. Challenging and changing negative thoughts
- C. Using deep breathing exercises during social interactions
- D. Taking anti-anxiety medication before social events
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. In cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for social anxiety disorder, the focus is on challenging and changing negative thoughts that contribute to anxiety. This process involves identifying distorted thought patterns and replacing them with more balanced and realistic thoughts, helping individuals develop healthier perspectives on social situations. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because avoiding social situations, using deep breathing exercises, and taking medication are not the primary skills taught in CBT for social anxiety disorder. CBT aims to address the underlying thought patterns and behaviors that maintain anxiety, rather than avoidance or temporary relief.
What is the primary goal of exposure therapy for a patient with specific phobia?
- A. To eliminate the phobic response completely
- B. To increase the patient's exposure to the feared object
- C. To help the patient confront and reduce their fear gradually
- D. To provide immediate relief from anxiety symptoms
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The primary goal of exposure therapy for a patient with a specific phobia is to help them confront their fear gradually, leading to a reduction in their fear response over time. This gradual exposure helps the individual learn to manage and cope with their phobia, ultimately reducing the intensity of their fear reactions. Choice A is incorrect because while the goal is to reduce the fear response, complete elimination may not always be feasible. Choice B is incorrect as the focus is not solely on increasing exposure but on gradual confrontation. Choice D is incorrect as the therapy aims for long-term reduction rather than immediate relief.
A patient with panic disorder is prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). What should the nurse include in the patient's education?
- A. SSRIs are fast-acting medications that can relieve anxiety immediately.
- B. It may take several weeks for the full therapeutic effects of SSRIs to be felt.
- C. SSRIs have a high potential for abuse and dependence.
- D. The patient should discontinue the medication once they feel better.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Patients prescribed with SSRIs need to be educated that it may take several weeks for the full therapeutic effects of the medication to be experienced. This delay is important for patient understanding and compliance with the treatment plan. Choice A is incorrect because SSRIs do not provide immediate relief and may take weeks to show significant improvement. Choice C is inaccurate as SSRIs are not known for having a high potential for abuse and dependence. Choice D is incorrect as patients should never discontinue medication abruptly without consulting their healthcare provider.