A nurse is conducting a nursing assessment for a client with panic disorder. Which data should the nurse collect during the assessment?

Choice A rationale:

Collecting vital signs, weight, height, and BMI is important for a general health assessment, but these measurements are not the primary focus when assessing a client with panic disorder.

Choice B rationale:

Gathering information about the client's support system, self-esteem, and coping strategies is relevant for understanding the client's overall well-being, but it may not provide as much insight into the specific factors contributing to panic disorder.

Choice C rationale:

This choice is correct because it addresses essential aspects of the assessment for a client with panic disorder. Understanding the client's medical history can reveal any underlying health conditions that might contribute to anxiety. Knowledge of medication use is crucial to identify potential interactions or side effects that could exacerbate anxiety. Family history provides insight into genetic predispositions and potential risk factors.

Choice D rationale:

Collecting laboratory tests and diagnostic tools might be necessary for ruling out other medical conditions that could mimic anxiety symptoms, but these should be secondary to gathering information about medical history, medication use, and family history when assessing a client with panic disorder.

Choice A rationale:

Assessing and diagnosing the client's physical health problems is important, but it does not accurately describe the nursing care for panic disorder. Panic disorder primarily involves psychological and emotional symptoms, so addressing the client's mental health needs takes precedence.

Choice B rationale:

Intervening and evaluating the client's social support and self-esteem accurately describe nursing care for panic disorder. Social support and self-esteem play significant roles in a client's ability to cope with and manage panic disorder. Nurses can provide interventions to enhance these factors, which can contribute to better outcomes.

Choice C rationale:

Monitoring for signs of serotonin syndrome is important when a client is taking certain medications, particularly serotonergic antidepressants. However, it is not a specific concern in panic disorder nursing care unless the client is on medication that could potentially lead to serotonin syndrome.

Choice D rationale:

Educating the client on the potential side effects of benzodiazepines is relevant, but it is not the most accurate description of nursing care for panic disorder. Nursing care goes beyond medication education and involves a comprehensive approach to addressing the client's emotional, psychological, and social needs.

Phobias