ATI LPN
Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition
Chapter 68 : Caring for Clients With Anxiety Disorders Questions
Question 1 of 5
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?
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.
Question 2 of 5
A client who is being interviewed by the nurse begins pacing and wringing hands, and repeating, 'I just need to keep moving.' Which statement by the nurse is most appropriate and therapeutic for this client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Asking if the client is feeling anxious helps to identify the behavior being presented and provides an opening for the client to express feelings. Asking the client to sit down and relax is not appropriate and may further agitate the client. By stating the physician will speak with the client next, the nurse is dismissing the behavior. Asking if something is bothering the client is a vague question and does not address the expression of anxiety.
Question 3 of 5
The client is brought to the emergency department with complaint of chest pain, rapid breathing, and palpitations. Cardiovascular event is ruled out, and the client is diagnosed with acute panic attack. The client seems embarrassed and states, 'I thought I was going to die.' Which is the best response from the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: It must have been frightening' is an empathetic statement that validates the feelings of the client and acknowledges the symptoms experienced. This is a therapeutic response and conveys respect, self-worth, and caring. Chest pain should always be evaluated, but this comment is factual not emotionally supportive. Other statements are not indicated as therapeutic or caring.
Question 4 of 5
Which is the most important teaching point the nurse can stress to a client who experiences panic attacks?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Panic attacks are time limited, and the symptoms will abate. Knowing this will decrease the client's fear when an attack occurs. For agoraphobia, fear of losing control in public can result in a desire to confine location to home. Taking medications as prescribed is a part of the management of anxiety disorders. The initiation of medication once the attack begins is not helpful. Maintaining self-control implies the client can control the event and is not supportive.
Question 5 of 5
Which provides the best data to support the diagnosis of anxiety disorder in clients of any age? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: C,D
Rationale: Diagnosing of most clients with anxiety disorders is based on presenting symptoms and client history. MRI and CT scans can be done to rule out brain pathology and other physiologic causes. Alcohol, prescription drugs, as well as over-the-counter drugs can alter findings or contribute to symptoms presented but are not the best data to base a diagnosis of anxiety disorder.