A nurse is caring for a client with a specific phobia. Which statement by the nurse is accurate regarding phobias?
"Phobias are characterized by persistent and irrational fear.".
"Phobias can be caused by biological factors only.".
"Phobias can be diagnosed based on physical symptoms.".
"Phobias can be managed with medication alone.".
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
This statement accurately captures the key features of phobias. Phobias involve intense, irrational fear reactions to specific objects or situations that persist over time. The fear is often excessive in relation to the actual threat posed by the phobic stimulus.
Choice B rationale:
The statement "Phobias can be caused by biological factors only" (choice B) is not accurate. While biological factors like genetics and brain chemistry can contribute to the development of phobias, they are not the sole cause. Psychological and environmental factors also play significant roles.
Choice C rationale:
The statement "Phobias can be diagnosed based on physical symptoms" (choice C) is incorrect. Phobias are diagnosed based on psychological symptoms, such as intense fear, avoidance behavior, and distress. Physical symptoms may accompany the fear response but are not the primary diagnostic criteria.
Choice D rationale:
The statement "Phobias can be managed with medication alone" (choice D) is not entirely accurate. While medication can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety associated with phobias, the most effective treatments often involve psychotherapy, particularly exposure therapy, to address the underlying fear response and promote lasting change.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D rationale:
The individual fears or avoids certain situations due to thoughts of difficulty escaping or lack of available help in case of developing incapacitating symptoms (Choice D) is a characteristic of agoraphobia. Individuals with agoraphobia often fear being in situations where escape might be challenging or help might not be readily available if they experience intense anxiety or panic symptoms.
Choice A rationale:
The fear or anxiety is not better explained by another mental disorder (Choice A) is a general criterion for diagnosing anxiety disorders, but it doesn't specifically relate to agoraphobia.
Choice B rationale:
The individual fears or avoids social situations due to the perceived threat of negative evaluation (Choice B) is more indicative of social anxiety disorder, not agoraphobia.
Choice C rationale:
The fear or anxiety is persistent, typically lasting for 6 months or more (Choice C) is a general criterion for diagnosing anxiety disorders, but it doesn't uniquely characterize agoraphobia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Specific Phobia. This is the correct answer. The client's symptoms of marked fear and anxiety about a specific object or situation that is out of proportion to the actual danger, along with resulting distress and impairment, are characteristic of a specific phobia. Specific phobias involve intense fear and avoidance behavior triggered by specific objects or situations, like heights, animals, or certain environments.
Choice B rationale:
Social Phobia. The client's symptoms do not align with social phobia, which centers around fears of social judgment and performance situations, not specific objects or situations.
Choice C rationale:
Agoraphobia. Agoraphobia involves fear of situations where escape may be difficult or embarrassing, such as crowded places. The client's fear does not seem related to this type of avoidance.
Choice D rationale:
Panic Disorder. While panic disorder involves recurrent panic attacks, it does not necessarily involve avoidance of specific objects or situations as the primary response. The client's avoidance behavior is more indicative of a specific phobia.
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