A nurse is assessing a client with panic disorder. Which statement by the nurse would be appropriate during the assessment?

"Tell me about your coping strategies and support system.".

"How often do you experience panic attacks and what triggers them?".

"What medications are you currently taking for your panic disorder?".

"Have you ever had any laboratory tests done for your panic disorder?".

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

Asking the client about coping strategies and support systems is an appropriate assessment question for a client with panic disorder. This question allows the nurse to understand how the client manages their panic attacks and identifies the resources available to them. The response can provide insights into the client's adaptive or maladaptive coping mechanisms.

Choice B rationale:

Inquiring about the frequency of panic attacks and their triggers is important, but this question may not be appropriate as the initial assessment question. It's better to first establish a rapport and gather broader information about the client's experiences before delving into specific details.

Choice C rationale:

Asking about current medications is relevant, but it might be more suitable after building rapport and discussing the client's overall situation. Focusing solely on medication can overlook other important aspects of the client's condition and coping strategies.

Choice D rationale:

Inquiring about laboratory tests is not directly relevant to the assessment of panic disorder. Panic disorder is primarily diagnosed based on clinical criteria, and laboratory tests are not typically used for diagnosis.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Beta-blockers are not commonly used for the pharmacological treatment of panic disorder. While they are used for conditions like hypertension and certain heart conditions, they are not the primary choice for panic disorder. Panic disorder primarily involves disturbances in brain neurotransmitters, which beta-blockers do not directly target.

Choice B rationale:

Anticonvulsants are not the primary choice for treating panic disorder. While they may be used for other conditions such as epilepsy or bipolar disorder, their effectiveness in treating panic disorder is limited compared to other classes of medications like SSRIs.

Choice C rationale:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used for the pharmacological treatment of panic disorder. Panic disorder often involves imbalances in serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in mood regulation. SSRIs help increase serotonin levels in the brain by blocking its reuptake, thereby alleviating symptoms of panic and anxiety.

Choice D rationale:

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are sometimes used for panic disorder, but they are not the first-line treatment due to their potential side effects and safety concerns. SSRIs have largely replaced TCAs as the preferred choice due to their better tolerability and safety profile.

A. "You should avoid situations that might trigger your panic attacks.". B. "Having panic attacks means there's something physically wrong with you.". C. "You should try to ignore your panic attacks and distract yourself.". D. "It's common for people with panic disorder to also experience depression.".

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The correct answer is Choice D.

Choice A rationale: Avoidance reinforces fear conditioning and impairs extinction learning; exposure-based strategies are more effective in reducing panic symptoms and restoring functional coping through cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Choice B rationale: Panic attacks are driven by autonomic dysregulation and cognitive misinterpretation, not physical pathology; suggesting physical illness increases somatic focus and health anxiety, worsening panic disorder outcomes.

Choice C rationale: Ignoring panic attacks delays cognitive restructuring and emotional processing; distraction may help short-term but does not address underlying maladaptive beliefs or autonomic hyperarousal.

Choice D rationale: Comorbidity between panic disorder and depression is well-documented; shared neurobiological pathways and chronic distress increase risk for mood disorders, requiring integrated assessment and treatment planning.

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A nurse is assessing a client with panic disorder. Which statement by the nurse would be appropriate during the assessment?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which class of medications is commonly used for the pharmacological treatment of panic disorder?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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