A nurse is assessing a client who exhibits marked fear and anxiety about a specific object or situation that is out of proportion to the actual danger. The nurse observes that the fear or anxiety causes clinically significant distress and impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning. Based on this information, the nurse suspects that the client is experiencing:

Choice A rationale:

This description is more fitting for panic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder, which involve intense fear, anxiety, panic, and impaired functioning. Specific phobias can cause distress and impairment, but they are primarily characterized by the fear of a specific object or situation.

Choice B rationale:

Phobias are diagnosed based on the psychological and behavioral symptoms related to the fear of a specific object or situation, not solely on physiological symptoms.

Choice C rationale:

While duration and frequency of symptoms are important factors, they are not the central criteria for diagnosing specific phobias. These factors might be more relevant to other anxiety disorders.

Choice D rationale:

The correct answer. Phobias are diagnosed based on the specific type of fear-inducing object or situation and the associated features of the phobia. These features include the marked and persistent fear, avoidance behavior, and the irrationality of the fear response.

Choice A rationale:

This response is appropriate as it aligns with the principles of exposure therapy. Exposure therapy involves gradually confronting feared situations to reduce anxiety over time. By encouraging the client to face their fears and expose themselves to anxiety-provoking situations in a controlled manner, they can learn that their anxiety decreases over time.

Choice B rationale:

This response is counterproductive and not recommended. Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety can actually reinforce the fear and make it more difficult for the client to cope with their agoraphobia. Avoidance prevents the client from learning that their fear is manageable.

Choice C rationale:

While distraction techniques can be helpful for managing anxiety in the moment, they do not address the underlying fear associated with agoraphobia. Encouraging distraction as the primary coping strategy might hinder the client's progress in overcoming their fear.

Choice D rationale:

This response promotes avoidance, which is not a recommended approach in treating anxiety disorders like agoraphobia. Avoiding situations altogether can worsen the fear and limit the client's ability to engage in normal activities.