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

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.

Choice A rationale:

The client's statement reflects cognitive distortion, where their thoughts are irrational and exaggerated. The client's intense fear of bad things happening during a flight and their inability to imagine being on a plane without fear are examples of distorted thinking patterns.

Choice B rationale:

Maladaptive coping refers to using ineffective strategies to deal with stress or anxiety. While the client's fear of flying is indeed a maladaptive response, the statement doesn't directly describe coping mechanisms.

Choice C rationale:

Rational thinking involves logical and balanced thoughts. The client's statement does not reflect rational thinking, as their fear is intense and irrational.

Choice D rationale:

Effective self-management involves using appropriate strategies to manage one's fears or anxieties. The client's statement does not indicate effective self-management, as their fear seems to be controlling their emotions and thoughts rather than managing them.