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:

Specific Phobia.

Social Phobia.

Agoraphobia.

Panic Disorder.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

The client's fear of flying in airplanes and the intense panic response when even thinking about it are indicative of a specific phobia. Specific phobias involve an intense and irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. In this case, the fear of flying is specific and triggers a significant anxiety reaction.

Choice B rationale:

Social phobia (also known as social anxiety disorder) involves an excessive fear of social situations where the individual fears being scrutinized or judged by others. This fear extends beyond a specific object or situation, which is not the case in this scenario.

Choice C rationale:

Agoraphobia involves a fear of situations where escape might be difficult or help might not be available if a panic attack occurs. This fear often leads to avoidance of various places or situations, such as crowded spaces. The client's fear of flying is not characteristic of agoraphobia.

Choice D rationale:

Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, often accompanied by a fear of having additional attacks. While the client does experience panic symptoms related to the fear of flying, the primary issue is the specific fear of flying itself, suggesting a specific phobia rather than panic disorder.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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.

A. "It's important to confront your fears and gradually expose yourself to the situations that make you anxious.". B. "It's best to avoid situations that trigger your anxiety to prevent panic attacks.". C. "You should try to distract yourself when you start feeling anxious in those situations.". D. "You should stay home and avoid going out to prevent any potential panic attacks.".

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is planning care for a client with a phobia. Which nursing intervention is appropriate for this client?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client with agoraphobia states, "I am afraid of being in places where I can't escape easily." Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is conducting a group therapy session for individuals with phobias. Which of the following statements accurately describes social phobia?

Which of the following is a characteristic of a specific phobia?

A nurse is assessing a patient with a specific phobia. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates a specific phobia?

Which of the following statements accurately describes the diagnostic criteria for phobias?

A nurse is providing education to a client diagnosed with a specific phobia. Which medication class should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

A client with a phobia is experiencing physiological symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, and shortness of breath. These symptoms are most likely due to:

Which of the following is a characteristic of agoraphobia?