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A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who experiences panic attacks.
Which of the following strategies should be included for implementation during an attack?

A.

Assist the client with evaluating their coping mechanisms.

B.

Explore with the client what precipitates an attack.

C.

Minimize environmental stimuli.

D.

Encourage the client to set goals.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale

Assisting the client with evaluating their coping mechanisms is a helpful strategy for preventing future panic attacks and managing anxiety in the long term. However, during an acute panic attack, the client's ability to think rationally and evaluate their coping skills is significantly impaired. The immediate focus should be on reducing overwhelming stimuli.

Choice B rationale

Exploring with the client what precipitates an attack is crucial for identifying triggers and developing preventative strategies. However, during an active panic attack, the client is experiencing intense anxiety and may not be able to effectively process or articulate potential triggers. This intervention is more appropriate for periods between attacks.

Choice C rationale

Minimizing environmental stimuli is a key intervention during a panic attack. Panic attacks involve a surge of intense fear and anxiety, often accompanied by sensory overload. Reducing noise, bright lights, and excessive activity in the immediate surroundings can help decrease the client's distress and promote a sense of calm and safety.

Choice D rationale

Encouraging the client to set goals is a therapeutic strategy aimed at promoting a sense of control and accomplishment, which can be beneficial for overall mental health and managing anxiety in the long term. However, during an acute panic attack, the client is likely overwhelmed and unable to focus on goal setting. The immediate priority is to reduce their acute anxiety.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B,C"},"B":{"answers":"B,C"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"B,C"},"E":{"answers":"B,C"},"F":{"answers":"A"},"G":{"answers":"B,C"}}

Explanation

Rationales for Each Condition

Opioid Intoxication

  1. Sedation: Opioids cause central nervous system depression, leading to drowsiness, confusion, and reduced level of consciousness.
  2. Pinpoint Pupils: A hallmark sign of opioid intoxication is miosis (pinpoint pupils) due to parasympathetic nervous system activation.

Stimulant Intoxication (e.g., Methamphetamine)

  1. Seizures: Stimulants can lower the seizure threshold, increasing the risk of convulsions.
  2. Tachycardia: Stimulants induce sympathetic activation, leading to increased heart rate.
  3. Dilated Pupils: Sympathetic nervous system stimulation causes pupil dilation (mydriasis).
  4. Paranoia: Stimulant intoxication often results in psychosis, including paranoia and hallucinations.
  5. Hypertension: Elevated catecholamines increase blood pressure, seen in stimulant intoxication.

Hallucinogen Intoxication

  1. Seizures: Some hallucinogens (e.g., LSD) can induce seizures due to excitatory effects.
  2. Tachycardia: Hallucinogens stimulate the autonomic nervous system, increasing heart rate.
  3. Dilated Pupils: Similar to stimulants, hallucinogens can cause mydriasis.
  4. Paranoia: Hallucinogen intoxication can result in psychosis, including paranoia.
  5. Hypertension: Increased autonomic activity leads to elevated blood pressure.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Increased sleep can sometimes be associated with depression, which can co-occur with schizophrenia, but it is not a primary indicator of relapse of psychotic symptoms. Relapse typically involves an exacerbation of positive symptoms like hallucinations or delusions.

Choice B rationale

Obsession with hygiene rituals is more commonly associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which can be a comorbid condition in individuals with schizophrenia but is not a direct indicator of a psychotic relapse. While changes in behavior should be noted, this specific manifestation is less indicative of worsening schizophrenia.

Choice C rationale

Excessive appetite can be a side effect of certain antipsychotic medications or related to other factors, but it is not a core manifestation of a relapse of schizophrenia. Changes in appetite can occur, but increased suspiciousness is a more direct indicator of worsening psychotic symptoms.

Choice D rationale

Increased suspiciousness, paranoia, and mistrust are hallmark negative symptoms and often early indicators of a psychotic relapse in individuals with schizophrenia. Heightened suspicion can precede the return of more overt psychotic symptoms like hallucinations or delusions, signaling a destabilization of their mental state.

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