A patient with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is experiencing flashbacks. What is the most appropriate initial nursing intervention?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: During a flashback, the patient may feel as though the traumatic event is reoccurring. Reassuring the patient that they are safe and the event is not happening presently can help ground them in reality and reduce anxiety. This approach can provide a sense of safety and security, which is crucial in managing flashbacks associated with PTSD. Encouraging the patient to talk briefly about the traumatic event may worsen the distress during a flashback by intensifying the re-experiencing of the trauma. Administering sedative medication should not be the initial intervention, as non-pharmacological approaches are preferred in managing flashbacks. Suggesting the patient write about their feelings in a journal may be beneficial as part of ongoing therapy, but it is not the most appropriate initial intervention during a flashback.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because buspirone may take a few weeks to become effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Patients should be aware of this delay and not expect immediate relief from their symptoms. Choice A is incorrect because buspirone is typically taken regularly, not just when feeling anxious. Choice B is incorrect because the onset of action for buspirone is gradual, and patients should not expect immediate relief within a few days. Choice C is incorrect because buspirone is not considered addictive, unlike some other medications used for anxiety disorders.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Fear of speaking in public is a hallmark symptom of social anxiety disorder. Individuals with social anxiety disorder often experience intense fear or anxiety about social situations where they may be scrutinized or judged by others, such as speaking in public. This fear can significantly impact their daily functioning and quality of life, making it a key feature in diagnosing social anxiety disorder. Recurrent, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks of traumatic events, and persistent low mood are more commonly associated with other mental health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression, respectively. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer as it aligns with the characteristic symptom of social anxiety disorder.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary benefit of using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for treating anxiety disorders is that it helps patients understand and change their thought patterns. By addressing maladaptive thought processes and behaviors, CBT can effectively reduce anxiety symptoms and improve coping mechanisms. This approach empowers individuals to develop healthier responses to anxiety triggers, leading to long-lasting benefits beyond solely relying on medications or avoiding anxiety-provoking situations. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because CBT does not primarily focus on long-term use of medications, addressing childhood traumas, or encouraging avoidance of anxiety-provoking situations. While medications may be used in conjunction with CBT, the main focus of CBT is on cognitive restructuring and behavioral interventions to alleviate anxiety symptoms.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Deep breathing helps reduce physical symptoms of anxiety. This is the most accurate explanation because deep breathing exercises are a common technique used in managing anxiety and panic disorders. When a person is experiencing anxiety or a panic attack, their breathing often becomes shallow and rapid, leading to increased physical symptoms such as dizziness, chest tightness, and hyperventilation. Deep breathing helps to counteract these symptoms by promoting relaxation, slowing down the heart rate, and increasing oxygen levels in the body. Option A is incorrect because deep breathing is not solely a distraction technique; its primary purpose is to address the physiological aspects of anxiety. Option B is incorrect because while deep breathing may help manage and reduce the frequency of panic attacks, it is not a foolproof method to prevent them entirely. Option D is incorrect because the main goal of deep breathing exercises in the context of anxiety and panic disorders is not to increase lung capacity, but rather to promote relaxation and reduce the physical symptoms associated with anxiety. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to understand and teach patients about the effectiveness of deep breathing techniques in managing anxiety and panic symptoms. By incorporating deep breathing exercises into their coping strategies, patients can better control their physiological response to stress and improve their overall well-being.