A nurse is caring for a client with panic disorder. Which statement accurately describes panic disorder?
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that causes intense fear and discomfort.
Panic disorder is a type of depression that leads to social isolation.
Panic disorder is a type of substance abuse that is influenced by biological factors.
Panic disorder is a physical health problem that can be diagnosed using the PDSS.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
This statement accurately describes panic disorder. It is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks—sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort accompanied by physical and cognitive symptoms. These attacks can lead to significant distress and avoidance behaviors.
Choice B rationale:
Panic disorder is not a type of depression; it is a separate anxiety disorder. While there can be co-occurrence of depression and anxiety disorders, they have distinct diagnostic criteria and features.
Choice C rationale:
Panic disorder is not related to substance abuse, nor is it influenced by biological factors that contribute to substance use disorders. It is primarily a psychological condition related to anxiety.
Choice D rationale:
The PDSS (Panic Disorder Severity Scale) is a tool used to assess the severity of panic disorder symptoms, not to diagnose the disorder itself. A diagnosis of panic disorder is based on clinical criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"I should avoid medications that increase serotonin levels in the brain." While avoiding medications that increase serotonin levels is relevant in some cases, it's not a comprehensive understanding of pharmacological treatment for panic disorder. Serotonin-related medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used for panic disorder treatment.
Choice B rationale:
"Antihypertensives can help reduce physical symptoms of panic attacks." This statement is not accurate. Antihypertensives are not commonly used to treat panic disorder. Medications like beta-blockers may be prescribed to manage some physical symptoms of anxiety, but they are not a primary treatment for panic disorder.
Choice C rationale:
"Antiepileptics can enhance the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain." This is the correct choice. Antiepileptic medications like pregabalin and gabapentin can indeed enhance the effects of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps reduce anxiety and panic. These medications are sometimes used to manage panic disorder symptoms.
Choice D rationale:
"Tricyclic antidepressants inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine in the brain." While tricyclic antidepressants have been used historically to treat panic disorder, they are not considered first-line treatments due to their potential side effects and the availability of newer, safer options. The statement in Choice D is accurate but not as relevant to current treatment approaches.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The statement "I'm not worried about having another panic attack" indicates a lack of understanding of anticipatory anxiety. Anticipatory anxiety is characterized by the fear of experiencing future panic attacks, so this statement contradicts that concept.
Choice B rationale:
This choice is correct because it reflects an accurate understanding of anticipatory anxiety. Anticipatory anxiety is the fear of being in situations or places where escape might be challenging or embarrassing in the event of a panic attack. This fear often leads to avoidance behavior and can worsen the overall anxiety.
Choice C rationale:
The statement "I don't think my panic attacks are related to my thought patterns" suggests a misunderstanding of the connection between thoughts and panic attacks. In reality, panic attacks are often triggered by anxious thoughts and thought patterns.
Choice D rationale:
The statement "I believe my panic attacks are caused by a substance I'm using" indicates a different perspective on the origin of panic attacks. While substance use can contribute to anxiety or trigger panic attacks in some cases, anticipatory anxiety specifically refers to the fear of future panic attacks, not their immediate causes.
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