A college student has been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Which of the following symptoms should a campus nurse expect this client to exhibit? Select all that apply.
Hyperventilation
Irritability
Anorexia
Insomnia
Fatigue
Correct Answer : A,B,D,E
Choice A: Hyperventilation
Hyperventilation is rapid breathing that usually occurs because of anxiety or panic. This leads to low levels of carbon dioxide in your blood which causes a number of symptoms. Hyperventilation in anxiety can be a tricky thing to understand. On one hand, it can feel like you're suffocating or not getting enough air. On the other hand, hyperventilation can also cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and lightheadedness.
Choice B: Irritability
Irritability is a common symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Individuals with GAD often experience severe feelings of fear and unease and report feeling restless and irritable that interfere with the quality of their life.

Choice C: Anorexia
While there is a relationship between anxiety disorders and anorexia nervosa, anorexia is not a common symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Anorexia nervosa is a separate disorder that involves a fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image.
Choice D: Insomnia
Insomnia is highly prevalent in psychiatric disorders, and it has significant implications. The anxiety that characterizes GAD often interferes with the ability to sleep and leads to insomnia. This is not unexpected. Anxiety might be viewed as an inappropriate escalation of a response called arousal.
Choice E: Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Individuals with GAD may feel restless and have trouble relaxing. They may also tire easily or feel tired all the time.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Psychotic behavior is not common in postpartum depression; it is more associated with postpartum psychosis, a rare and severe form of the condition.
Choice B reason: Harming the infant is not a common manifestation of postpartum depression and is a misconception.
Choice C reason: Postpartum depression does not typically begin 48 hours after childbirth; this is more indicative of the "baby blues," which are less severe and more transient.
Choice D reason: Women with a history of depression are at a higher risk for postpartum depression, making this statement accurate.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: A decreased display of emotions, or blunted affect, is common in dementia as the illness affects the brain areas responsible for emotion regulation.
Choice B reason: While personality changes can occur, they do not typically present as complete opposites of original traits.
Choice C reason: Decreased auditory and visual acuity can be part of the cognitive decline associated with dementia.
Choice D reason: Forgetfulness that progresses to disorientation is a hallmark of dementia, reflecting the deterioration of cognitive functions over time.
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