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
Which is the primary effect of central-acting sympatholytics in a client who exhibits hypertension and anxiety?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Central-acting sympatholytics block alpha-2 receptors for norepinephrine in the brain stem. Consequently, heart rate and blood pressure are reduced, which adds to the beneficial effects in anxious clients with hypertension. Vasoconstriction will result in higher blood pressure. Central-acting sympatholytics may induce sedation and reduce renin activity in the kidneys but this is not the primary effect.
Question 2 of 5
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?
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.
Question 3 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 4 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 5 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.