A client with anxiety disorder expresses concerns about starting therapy. Which response by the nurse demonstrates appropriate communication?

"Therapy won't really help, but you should try it anyway.".

"Don't worry, just take your medications as prescribed.".

"It's understandable to feel nervous about starting therapy. Many people have similar concerns.".

"You should rely on your friends and family for support instead.".

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice C rationale:

Responding with empathy and validation, such as acknowledging the client's concerns about starting therapy, is appropriate communication. It demonstrates the nurse's understanding of the client's feelings and helps establish a supportive and trusting relationship. Many individuals with anxiety disorder have reservations about therapy, and addressing their concerns can alleviate some of their apprehensions.

Choice A rationale:

Suggesting that "Therapy won't really help, but you should try it anyway" is discouraging and undermines the potential benefits of therapy. It may lead to decreased motivation and engagement in the therapeutic process.

Choice B rationale:

Instructing the client to solely rely on medications oversimplifies treatment and disregards the potential effectiveness of therapy and other coping strategies. Medications can be a part of the treatment plan, but a comprehensive approach is usually recommended.

Choice D rationale:

Advising the client to rely on friends and family for support instead of seeking professional help minimizes the importance of therapeutic interventions. While social support is valuable, it is not a substitute for evidence-based treatments for anxiety disorder.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Assist the client in challenging irrational thoughts.

Choice A rationale:

While medication may be a part of the treatment plan, the primary goal of establishing a therapeutic relationship is not to immediately prescribe medication. Building trust, rapport, and understanding the client's needs are initial priorities.

Choice B rationale:

Educating the client about relaxation techniques can be helpful, but the primary goal is to address the cognitive and emotional aspects of anxiety. Challenging irrational thoughts is a more central focus.

Choice C rationale:

The primary goal of establishing a therapeutic relationship with a client with anxiety disorder is to assist the client in challenging irrational thoughts. This involves identifying distorted thought patterns and helping the client reframe or replace these thoughts with more realistic and balanced ones.

Choice D rationale:

Developing measurable and realistic outcomes is an important aspect of the therapeutic process, but it is not the primary goal of establishing the therapeutic relationship. Measurable outcomes come after working through various therapeutic interventions.

A. "Tell me about your favorite hobbies.". B. "You should avoid situations that make you anxious.". C. "Why do you feel this way?". D. "Anxiety is not a big deal, everyone feels it sometimes.".

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Asking the client about their favorite hobbies is an appropriate statement during the assessment. This open-ended question encourages the client to talk about positive and enjoyable aspects of their life, providing insight into their interests and potential sources of relaxation. It also helps build rapport and trust between the nurse and the client.

Choice B rationale:

Advising the client to avoid anxiety-inducing situations oversimplifies anxiety management. Avoidance can reinforce anxiety and prevent the client from developing effective coping strategies. Encouraging gradual exposure to manageable stressors is often a more helpful approach.

Choice C rationale:

Asking "Why do you feel this way?" can be perceived as confrontational and may put the client on the defensive. It might hinder open communication and prevent the client from fully expressing their feelings. Instead, using more open-ended and nonjudgmental questions is recommended.

Choice D rationale:

Minimizing anxiety by stating that "Anxiety is not a big deal, everyone feels it sometimes" is dismissive of the client's emotions. It invalidates their experience and fails to acknowledge the impact anxiety may have on their well-being. Providing empathy and understanding is crucial in therapeutic communication.

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A client with anxiety disorder expresses concerns about starting therapy. Which response by the nurse demonstrates appropriate communication?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is establishing a therapeutic relationship with a client with anxiety disorder. What is the primary goal of this intervention?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client's level of anxiety and coping mechanisms. Which statement by the nurse is appropriate during the assessment?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is evaluating the outcomes of nursing interventions for a client with anxiety disorder. What is a possible positive outcome?

A nurse is caring for a client with anxiety disorder who is prescribed anxiolytic medication. What is the mechanism of action of anxiolytics?

A client with anxiety disorder expresses concerns about starting therapy. Which response by the nurse demonstrates appropriate communication?

(Select all that apply): A nurse is educating a client with anxiety disorder about pharmacological treatments. Which of the following are examples of pharmacological treatments for anxiety disorders? Select all that apply.

(Select all that apply):A nurse is providing education to a client with anxiety disorder. Which of the following are appropriate techniques for relaxation that the nurse might teach the client? Select all that apply.

A nurse is assessing a client's level of anxiety and coping mechanisms. Which statement by the nurse is appropriate during the assessment?

A client with anxiety disorder expresses concerns about medication side effects. Which statement by the nurse is appropriate?

A nurse is implementing nursing interventions for a client with anxiety disorder. Which intervention is aimed at promoting coping skills and enhancing self-esteem?