A mental health nurse is assessing a client who has generalized anxiety disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Obsession over a fictitious defect in physical appearance.
Constant worry about the undiagnosed presence of an illness.
Sudden unexplained loss of vision without a physical medical explanation.
Prior physical health followed by the need for two surgeries within the last three months.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Obsession over a fictitious defect in physical appearance is characteristic of body dysmorphic disorder, not generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Individuals with body dysmorphic disorder become preoccupied with an imagined or slight defect in their appearance, often to the point of significant distress and impairment in functioning.
They may engage in excessive grooming behaviors, repeatedly check their appearance in mirrors, or avoid social situations due to their appearance concerns.
While individuals with GAD may also experience concerns about their physical appearance, these concerns are typically not as severe or pervasive as those seen in body dysmorphic disorder.
Choice B rationale:
Constant worry about the undiagnosed presence of an illness is a hallmark feature of GAD.
Individuals with GAD often experience excessive worry about a variety of things, including health, finances, relationships, and work.
This worry is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and muscle tension.
The worry is typically difficult to control and can significantly interfere with daily life.
Choice C rationale:
Sudden unexplained loss of vision without a physical medical explanation is not a common symptom of GAD. It may be indicative of a more serious medical condition, such as a stroke or a neurological disorder.
It is important to rule out any potential medical causes before attributing a symptom like this to GAD.
Choice D rationale:
Prior physical health followed by the need for two surgeries within the last three months may be a stressful life event that could contribute to the development of GAD.
However, it is not a specific symptom of GAD.
Many people experience stressful life events without developing GAD.
The presence of other symptoms, such as excessive worry and physical symptoms, is necessary for a diagnosis of GAD.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Dissociation is a defense mechanism where a person disconnects from reality, memory, identity, or perception. It is often a response to trauma and can result in a detachment from emotional and physical experiences. The client’s behavior does not indicate a disconnection from reality or self.
Choice B rationale: Regression is a defense mechanism where an individual reverts to an earlier stage of development in response to stress or anxiety. In this case, the client’s behavior of wanting someone to take care of them can be seen as a regression to a childlike state of dependency, which is a common response to overwhelming stress or anxiety.
Choice C rationale: Introjection is a defense mechanism where a person internalizes the ideas or voices of other people- often authority figures. This is not evident in the client’s behavior.
Choice D rationale: Repression is a defense mechanism where a person unconsciously blocks out distressing thoughts or feelings. In this scenario, the client is expressing their feelings of stress rather than repressing them.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: A client with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) who insists on mopping the floor in the day room does not pose a direct threat to themselves or others. OCD is characterized by obsessions (persistent, intrusive
thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors that the person feels compelled to perform). The act of mopping the floor could be a compulsion for this client. While it may be disruptive or unusual, it is not harmful. Therefore, restraints would not be appropriate in this situation.
Choice B rationale: A client with a personality disorder who tries to manipulate staff to gain privileges can be challenging to manage, but this behavior does not warrant the use of restraints. Personality disorders are characterized by enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate from the expectations of the individual’s culture. These patterns are inflexible and pervasive across many personal and social situations.
While manipulation can be frustrating for staff, it is not a danger to the client or others, and other interventions should be used to manage this behavior.
Choice C rationale: A client with Bulimia Nervosa who refuses to come to the dining room for meals is exhibiting behavior related to their eating disorder, but this does not justify the use of restraints. Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise. Refusal to eat in a communal setting like a dining room is not uncommon for individuals with eating disorders. This behavior should be addressed through therapeutic interventions, not restraints.
Choice D rationale: A client who is just recovering from a benzodiazepine overdose is the correct answer. Restraints are contraindicated for this client because they could cause physical harm. After a benzodiazepine overdose, the client may experience symptoms such as drowsiness, confusion, and impaired coordination. Restraints could increase the risk of injury, particularly if the client becomes agitated or tries to remove them. In addition, restraints could potentially interfere with medical treatment for the overdose.
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