A nurse is educating a patient about phobias. Which of the following statements accurately describes specific phobias?
Specific phobias are fears of a particular stimulus that trigger an excessive and unreasonable response.
Specific phobias are fears of being judged, criticized, or embarrassed in social or performance situations.
Specific phobias are fears of being in places or situations from which escape might be difficult or embarrassing.
Specific phobias are fears of a particular object, situation, or activity that poses little or no actual danger.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Specific phobias are fears of a particular stimulus that trigger an excessive and unreasonable response. In specific phobias, individuals experience intense fear and anxiety in response to specific objects or situations, such as heights, animals, or certain activities. The fear is often recognized as excessive or unreasonable, but the person feels powerless to control the anxiety. This is consistent with the definition of specific phobias, where the fear is focused on a specific trigger.
Choice B rationale:
This choice describes social anxiety disorder (social phobia), not specific phobias. Social phobia involves a fear of being judged, criticized, or embarrassed in social or performance situations. People with social phobia tend to avoid such situations or endure them with intense distress. It's a different type of anxiety disorder with a focus on social interactions rather than specific triggers.
Choice C rationale:
This choice refers to agoraphobia, not specific phobias. Agoraphobia involves a fear of being in places or situations from which escape might be difficult or embarrassing. People with agoraphobia often avoid situations like crowded places or open spaces due to fear of having a panic attack and not being able to escape.
Choice D rationale:
This choice incorrectly defines specific phobias. Specific phobias are characterized by an intense fear of a particular object, situation, or activity that may pose little or no actual danger. The fear is irrational and disproportionate to the threat posed by the trigger. This is why Choice A is the correct answer, as it accurately describes specific phobias.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Antidepressants (Choice A) are not typically the first-line medication class for treating specific phobias. While they may be used in some cases, they are not the primary choice for addressing the symptoms of phobias.
Choice B rationale:
Benzodiazepines (Choice B) are sometimes used to manage acute anxiety symptoms, but they are generally not recommended for long-term treatment of specific phobias due to the risk of dependence and potential side effects.
Choice C rationale:
Beta-blockers (Choice C) can be useful in managing the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat and trembling, which often accompany phobias. They work by blocking the effects of adrenaline, reducing the "fight or flight" response. This can help the client feel more physically at ease when confronting their phobic stimulus.
Choice D rationale:
Analgesics (Choice D) are pain-relieving medications and have no direct relevance to treating phobias. They do not address the underlying fear and anxiety associated with phobias.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Psychoeducation involves providing information about psychological conditions, symptoms, and treatment options to clients. However, it is not specifically aimed at helping clients identify and challenge irrational thoughts and beliefs associated with their phobias.
Choice B rationale:
Cognitive therapy aims to help clients identify and challenge irrational thoughts and beliefs associated with their phobias. By addressing cognitive distortions and negative thought patterns, individuals can learn to reframe their thinking, reduce anxiety, and manage their phobias more effectively.
Choice C rationale:
Behavioral therapy focuses on modifying behavior through techniques such as exposure therapy and desensitization. While behavioral therapy is often used in phobia treatment, it doesn't primarily target irrational thoughts and beliefs as cognitive therapy does.
Choice D rationale:
Relaxation therapy teaches individuals relaxation techniques to manage stress and anxiety. While relaxation techniques can be beneficial as a complementary approach, they are not specifically focused on addressing irrational thoughts associated with phobias.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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