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 C
Explanation
The correct answer(s) is/are:
C. Telling his parents that he doesn't want to talk about the suicide attempt.
Rationale:
Choice A: Planning to give his Xbox console to his best friend.
While giving away possessions can be a sign of hopelessness or detachment, in this case, it could also be interpreted as a gesture of closure or wanting to leave something meaningful behind for a loved one. It doesn't necessarily indicate ongoing suicidal intent.
Choice B: Stating that he wants to be with his peers more than with his parents.
This desire for social connection and autonomy is actually a positive sign in a post-suicidal attempt adolescent. It demonstrates a shift towards seeking support from outside the family unit and engaging with life beyond the immediate aftermath of the attempt.
Choice C: Telling his parents that he doesn't want to talk about the suicide attempt. This reluctance to discuss the attempt can be a red flag for several reasons:
Avoidance: Suppressing or avoiding thoughts and feelings related to the attempt can indicate a struggle to cope with the emotional trauma and potentially harboring lingering suicidal ideation.
Isolation: Withdrawing from open communication about the event can isolate the adolescent further, hindering the support system and potentially increasing the risk of reattempt.
Underlying distress: The inability to talk about the event may suggest unresolved emotional distress, unresolved conflicts, or ongoing stressors that could contribute to suicidal thoughts.
Therefore, while not wanting to talk doesn't definitively signify current suicidal intent, it warrants further exploration by the nurse to understand the underlying reasons behind the avoidance and ensure appropriate support and safety measures are in place.
Choice D: Preferring to eat his meals while watching TV.
This behavior is relatively neutral and doesn't directly suggest ongoing suicidal intent. While it might indicate depression or low motivation, it's not a specific indicator of suicide risk.
Conclusion:
Based on the rationale above, "telling his parents that he doesn't want to talk about the suicide attempt" (Choice C) is the most concerning behavior that suggests the adolescent might still have suicidal intent. It's crucial for the nurse to address this reluctance with empathy and understanding, exploring the underlying reasons and ensuring continued monitoring and support for the adolescent.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: A 13-year-old girl worrying about a pimple on her face is a common concern at this age. Adolescence is a time of significant physical changes, including the onset of acne. While this can cause distress and affect self-esteem, it is not as immediate a concern as some of the other options.
Choice B rationale: Menarche, or the onset of menstruation, typically occurs around the age of 12-14, but it can vary widely. Some girls may start their periods as early as 9 or as late as 16. This girl’s concern about not having started her period yet, while valid, is not unusual or immediately concerning given her age.
Choice C rationale: Feeling like one’s parents are treating them like a baby is a common sentiment among adolescents who are striving for more independence. It’s a normal part of the developmental process and, while it can cause conflict and frustration, it is not an immediate concern.
Choice D rationale: This statement indicates that the girl is feeling socially isolated, which can be a sign of social problems or mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Social relationships and a sense of belonging are crucial for mental health, particularly during adolescence. This should be the nurse’s priority to address.
Please note that these rationales are based on general knowledge and understanding of adolescent development and mental health. For a more accurate and detailed explanation, it would be best to consult with a healthcare professional or refer to trusted health resources.
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