A client with panic disorder expresses concern about having another panic attack. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further education?

Choice A rationale:

Assessing and diagnosing the client's physical health problems is important, but it does not accurately describe the nursing care for panic disorder. Panic disorder primarily involves psychological and emotional symptoms, so addressing the client's mental health needs takes precedence.

Choice B rationale:

Intervening and evaluating the client's social support and self-esteem accurately describe nursing care for panic disorder. Social support and self-esteem play significant roles in a client's ability to cope with and manage panic disorder. Nurses can provide interventions to enhance these factors, which can contribute to better outcomes.

Choice C rationale:

Monitoring for signs of serotonin syndrome is important when a client is taking certain medications, particularly serotonergic antidepressants. However, it is not a specific concern in panic disorder nursing care unless the client is on medication that could potentially lead to serotonin syndrome.

Choice D rationale:

Educating the client on the potential side effects of benzodiazepines is relevant, but it is not the most accurate description of nursing care for panic disorder. Nursing care goes beyond medication education and involves a comprehensive approach to addressing the client's emotional, psychological, and social needs.

Phobias

Choice A rationale:

Beta-blockers are not commonly used for the pharmacological treatment of panic disorder. While they are used for conditions like hypertension and certain heart conditions, they are not the primary choice for panic disorder. Panic disorder primarily involves disturbances in brain neurotransmitters, which beta-blockers do not directly target.

Choice B rationale:

Anticonvulsants are not the primary choice for treating panic disorder. While they may be used for other conditions such as epilepsy or bipolar disorder, their effectiveness in treating panic disorder is limited compared to other classes of medications like SSRIs.

Choice C rationale:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used for the pharmacological treatment of panic disorder. Panic disorder often involves imbalances in serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in mood regulation. SSRIs help increase serotonin levels in the brain by blocking its reuptake, thereby alleviating symptoms of panic and anxiety.

Choice D rationale:

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are sometimes used for panic disorder, but they are not the first-line treatment due to their potential side effects and safety concerns. SSRIs have largely replaced TCAs as the preferred choice due to their better tolerability and safety profile.