Nokea
When developing a care plan for a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which long-term goal is most appropriate?
- A. The patient will experience no episodes of anxiety.
- B. The patient will recognize and modify anxiety-provoking thoughts.
- C. The patient will avoid situations that cause anxiety.
- D. The patient will take medication as prescribed.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most appropriate long-term goal for managing generalized anxiety disorder is for the patient to recognize and modify anxiety-provoking thoughts. By addressing and modifying these thoughts, the patient can develop coping mechanisms and strategies to manage their anxiety more effectively in the long term. Choices A and C are not ideal long-term goals as complete elimination of anxiety episodes or avoidance of anxiety-provoking situations may not be realistic or sustainable. Choice D focuses solely on medication adherence, which is important but does not address the core cognitive-behavioral aspects of managing anxiety in GAD.
You may also like to solve these questions
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.
A patient with agoraphobia has difficulty leaving their home. Which nursing intervention would be most effective?
- A. Encourage the patient to make small, gradual steps outside the home.
- B. Advise the patient to avoid crowded places.
- C. Suggest that the patient focus on their breathing when anxious.
- D. Provide the patient with information about support groups.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Encouraging the patient to make small, gradual steps outside the home is the most effective nursing intervention for agoraphobia. This approach helps the patient confront their fear gradually and build confidence in managing their symptoms. By taking small steps, the patient can start to expand their comfort zone and reduce anxiety associated with leaving their home, ultimately aiding in their recovery and increasing their independence. Choices B, C, and D are not as effective as choice A. Advising the patient to avoid crowded places does not address the underlying issue of agoraphobia. Suggesting that the patient focus on their breathing when anxious may help manage immediate symptoms but does not address the fear of leaving home. Providing information about support groups is beneficial but may not directly address the patient's difficulty leaving their home.
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.
When caring for a patient with dissociative identity disorder, which nursing intervention is a priority?
- A. Providing detailed education about the condition
- B. Monitoring for signs of self-harm or suicidal ideation
- C. Encouraging the patient to recall traumatic events
- D. Helping the patient develop a strong sense of identity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When caring for a patient with dissociative identity disorder, the priority nursing intervention is to monitor for signs of self-harm or suicidal ideation. Ensuring patient safety is crucial, as individuals with this disorder may be at increased risk of self-harm or suicidal behaviors. Providing education about the condition is beneficial but ensuring immediate safety takes precedence. Encouraging the patient to recall traumatic events can be detrimental and should be done cautiously under professional guidance. While helping the patient develop a strong sense of identity is important in the long term, it is not the immediate priority when safety is a concern.
A 32-year-old female patient is diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which behavior would the nurse expect to observe?
- A. Complains of persistent and excessive worry.
- B. Frequently fidgets and has difficulty sitting still.
- C. Exhibits ritualistic behaviors.
- D. Reports periods of derealization.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), individuals often experience persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of their life. This worry is difficult to control and is disproportionate to the actual source of concern. The other options describe behaviors more commonly associated with other anxiety disorders like social anxiety disorder (frequent fidgeting and difficulty sitting still), obsessive-compulsive disorder (ritualistic behaviors), and depersonalization/derealization disorder (periods of derealization). Therefore, the correct behavior to expect in a patient with GAD is persistent and excessive worry.