ATI LPN
Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition
Chapter 25 : Anxiety Disorders: Management of Anxiety, Phobia, and Panic Questions
Question 1 of 5
A female client is diagnosed with panic disorder. The client tells the nurse that she hasn?t left her house in more than a month because she was afraid of another attack. She visited the mental health clinic today only because her son brought her. Which nursing diagnosis would be a priority for this client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Social Isolation (
D) is the priority, as the client?s fear of panic attacks has led to avoiding leaving home, significantly impacting social functioning. Powerlessness (
A) and decisional conflict (
B) are relevant but less immediate, and ineffective family coping (
C) is not supported by the scenario.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse has instructed a client with panic disorder about how to use the technique of positive self-talk. The nurse determines that the client has understood the instructions when the client verbalizes which statement to use during an impending panic attack?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Positive self-talk (
B) involves reassuring statements that empower the client to manage anxiety, such as affirming control and the transient nature of the attack. Stating nervousness (
A) reinforces anxiety, medication reliance (
C) is not self-talk, and muscle relaxation (
D) is a different technique.
Question 3 of 5
A client who has been diagnosed with panic disorder visits the clinic and experiences a panic attack. The client tells the nurse, I?m so nervous. My hands are shaking, and I?m sweating. I feel as if I?m having a stroke right now. Which of the following would the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Staying with the client while remaining calm (
A) is the first priority during a panic attack to provide reassurance and safety, reducing fear. Moving to a safe environment (
B) is secondary, reassuring about duration (
C) is less immediate, and teaching breathing (
D) requires the client to be calmer first.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse who has worked with a client diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) when he was an inpatient on the psychiatric unit sees the client in the waiting room of the outpatient psychiatric clinic. The client motions to the nurse to come over so he can tell the nurse how things have been going since he was discharged. While talking with the client, the nurse determines that the client?s therapy has been effective when the client states which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Going to the workshop (
B) indicates effective coping by using a constructive activity to manage stress from a trigger (mother-in-law?s visits). Persistent stress (
A) suggests ineffective therapy, coffee (
C) can worsen anxiety, and alcohol use (
D) is an unhealthy coping mechanism.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client who is being treated in the emergency department for a panic attack. Which of the following nursing interventions would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Staying with the client and emphasizing safety (
D) provides reassurance and reduces fear during a panic attack. Mimicking anxiety (
A) is inappropriate, leaving the client (
B) increases distress, and discussing prognosis (
C) is less urgent than providing immediate support.