A nurse is assessing a client with a phobia and asks, "What specific object or situation causes you the most fear or anxiety?" The client responds, "I'm terrified of flying in airplanes. Every time I even think about getting on a plane, I start to panic." Based on the client's response, the nurse recognizes that the client is experiencing:

Choice A rationale:

The client reporting decreased fear and anxiety related to phobias (Choice A) is a subjective outcome that might not accurately reflect the effectiveness of the nursing interventions. It relies solely on the client's self-report and might not provide an objective measure of improvement.

Choice B rationale:

The client demonstrating increased avoidance behavior (Choice B) is not an outcome aimed at reducing fear and anxiety. Increased avoidance behavior would actually indicate a worsening of the phobia-related symptoms, as the client is avoiding the feared stimulus more.

Choice C rationale:

The client engaging in exposure therapy without excessive distress (Choice C) is a desired outcome for interventions targeting phobias. Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing the client to the feared stimulus in a controlled manner. If the client can tolerate exposure without excessive distress, it indicates a positive response to the intervention and a reduction in fear and anxiety over time.

Choice D rationale:

The client applying cognitive-behavioral techniques ineffectively (Choice D) is not a desirable outcome. The goal of cognitive-behavioral techniques is to equip the client with effective coping strategies to manage their phobias. If the client is applying these techniques ineffectively, it indicates a need for further intervention or adjustment of the therapeutic approach.

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging the client to face their fear gradually is a cornerstone of exposure therapy, a proven psychological approach for treating phobias. Gradual exposure helps the client confront their fears in a controlled manner, allowing them to build tolerance and reduce anxiety over time.

Choice B rationale:

Administering benzodiazepines as needed for acute anxiety (choice B) is not the first-line intervention for treating phobias. While benzodiazepines can provide rapid relief from acute anxiety, they do not address the underlying phobia and can lead to dependence if used excessively.

Choice C rationale:

Providing psychoeducation about the causes and effects of phobias is valuable, but it alone might not be as effective as exposure therapy or other evidence-based treatments. Educating the client about the nature of phobias can complement their treatment plan.

Choice D rationale:

Teaching the client relaxation techniques to manage anxiety is beneficial but might not be as effective as exposure therapy for addressing phobias directly. Relaxation techniques can be useful in managing general anxiety, but specific phobias are best treated with exposure-based interventions.