A 35-year-old client tells the nurse that they have been worried and tearful lately because of pressures at work. The client states, "My partner tells me that it's 'stress' and 'anxiety,' but doesn't everyone have that? What is anxiety anyway?" Which response would be most appropriate for the nurse to provide about the nature of anxiety?
Anxiety is a normal response to everyday stress.
Anxiety is an abnormal response to everyday stress.
Anxiety is a physiological response to stress.
Anxiety is a sense of psychological distress.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect. While anxiety can be a normal response to stress, the context implies that the client is experiencing more than a typical reaction.
Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect. Anxiety is not necessarily an abnormal response; it can occur in normal situations but becomes problematic when excessive.
Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect. While anxiety does have physiological components, the question seems to be asking about the experiential nature of anxiety.
Choice D reason: This is the correct choice. Anxiety is indeed a sense of psychological distress that can be triggered by stress but is characterized by excessive worry, fear, or apprehension.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect. Flooding is a different technique from desensitization and involves intense and immediate exposure to the feared stimulus, which can be overwhelming and is not the gradual approach used in desensitization.
Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect. Simply teaching a patient to ignore or become immune to anxiety- producing situations does not address the underlying fear and is not a technique used in desensitization therapy.
Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect. While cognitive techniques may be part of a broader therapeutic approach, they are not the same as desensitization, which specifically involves gradual exposure combined with relaxation techniques.
Choice D reason: This is the correct choice. Desensitization therapy, also known as systematic desensitization, is a behavioral therapy technique that involves gradually exposing the patient to the feared object or situation while teaching them relaxation techniques to overcome their anxiety.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Medication is not a defining feature of all mental illnesses. While medications can be a part of treatment for many psychiatric conditions, not all mental illnesses require medication. Some may be managed with psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, or other non-pharmacological interventions.
Choice B reason: Self-awareness or acknowledgment of difficulties is not a prerequisite for a mental illness diagnosis. Many individuals may not realize they have a mental health condition, especially in cases of severe mental illness or when insight is affected.
Choice C reason: The presence of difficulties in functioning that cause significant distress or impairment is a core aspect of mental illness. These difficulties can manifest in various areas such as social, work, or family activities, and are a key factor in diagnosing mental health conditions.
Choice D reason: While physiological symptoms can accompany certain mental health conditions, they are not a defining feature of all mental illnesses. Mental illness primarily involves significant changes in thinking, emotion, and/or behavior.
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