A client diagnosed with an Anxiety Disorder tells a nurse that being in crowds creates thoughts of losing control and the need to suddenly leave. What should the nurse recommend as an effective, non-pharmacological therapy for managing the client’s symptoms of anxiety?

Choice A Reason:

The client’s perception of the event, the availability of supports, and the availability of adequate coping mechanisms.

This is the correct response. A client’s perception of a stressful event plays a crucial role in determining whether they experience a crisis. If the client views the event as overwhelming and beyond their ability to cope, they are more likely to experience a crisis. Additionally, the availability of social supports, such as family, friends, and community resources, can provide emotional and practical assistance, reducing the likelihood of a crisis. Adequate coping mechanisms, such as problem-solving skills, emotional regulation, and stress management techniques, also play a significant role in helping the client manage stress effectively.

Choice B Reason:

Previous experiences, the availability of medication, and the desire to cope.

While previous experiences can influence how a client responds to stress, they are not the sole determinants of whether a crisis will occur. The availability of medication can help manage symptoms of stress or anxiety, but it does not address the underlying perception of the event or the availability of supports. The desire to cope is important, but without adequate coping mechanisms and support, it may not be sufficient to prevent a crisis.

Choice C Reason:

Faith in the psychiatrist, the availability of financial resources, and previous level of functioning.

Faith in the psychiatrist and the availability of financial resources can provide some support, but they do not directly address the client’s perception of the event or their coping mechanisms. Previous level of functioning is important, but it is not the primary factor in determining whether a crisis will occur. The client’s current perception and available supports are more critical in this context.

Choice D Reason:

The time of day, the client’s mood, and the availability of escape from the situation.

The time of day and the client’s mood can influence their immediate response to stress, but they are not the primary determinants of whether a crisis will occur. The availability of escape from the situation may provide temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying perception of the event or the availability of supports and coping mechanisms.

Choice A Reason:

Clonazepam is to be used for long-term therapy in conjunction with buspirone.

This statement is incorrect. Clonazepam, a benzodiazepine, is typically used for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms due to its potential for dependence and tolerance1. Long-term use of benzodiazepines is generally avoided in favor of medications like buspirone, which do not carry the same risks of dependence.

Choice B Reason:

Clonazepam is to be used short-term until the buspirone takes full effect.

This is the correct response. Buspirone takes several weeks to achieve its full therapeutic effect. During this period, clonazepam may be used to manage acute anxiety symptoms. Once buspirone reaches its full effect, clonazepam can be tapered off to avoid long-term use and potential dependence.

Choice C Reason:

Buspirone should be taken as needed until clonazepam takes full effect.

This statement is incorrect. Buspirone is not intended for as-needed use; it must be taken consistently to maintain stable blood levels and achieve its therapeutic effect. Clonazepam, on the other hand, is used for short-term relief and should not be relied upon for long-term management of anxiety.

Choice D Reason:

Tolerance could result with long-term use of buspirone.

This statement is incorrect. Unlike benzodiazepines, buspirone does not typically cause tolerance or dependence with long-term use. It is considered a safer option for chronic management of anxiety disorders.