A nurse is establishing a therapeutic relationship with a client with anxiety disorder. What is the primary goal of this intervention?

Choice C rationale:

Responding with empathy and validation, such as acknowledging the client's concerns about starting therapy, is appropriate communication. It demonstrates the nurse's understanding of the client's feelings and helps establish a supportive and trusting relationship. Many individuals with anxiety disorder have reservations about therapy, and addressing their concerns can alleviate some of their apprehensions.

Choice A rationale:

Suggesting that "Therapy won't really help, but you should try it anyway" is discouraging and undermines the potential benefits of therapy. It may lead to decreased motivation and engagement in the therapeutic process.

Choice B rationale:

Instructing the client to solely rely on medications oversimplifies treatment and disregards the potential effectiveness of therapy and other coping strategies. Medications can be a part of the treatment plan, but a comprehensive approach is usually recommended.

Choice D rationale:

Advising the client to rely on friends and family for support instead of seeking professional help minimizes the importance of therapeutic interventions. While social support is valuable, it is not a substitute for evidence-based treatments for anxiety disorder.

Choice A rationale:

Blocking the effects of adrenaline is not the mechanism of action for anxiolytics. Anxiolytics primarily target neurotransmitter systems in the brain, not adrenaline (also known as epinephrine) pathways.

Choice B rationale:

Increasing the availability of neurotransmitters is not the primary mechanism of anxiolytics. While neurotransmitters are involved, anxiolytics like benzodiazepines and SSRIs focus on specific neurotransmitter systems, such as GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and serotonin, rather than merely increasing neurotransmitter availability.

Choice C rationale:

Modulating the activity of glutamate is not the primary mechanism of anxiolytics. Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter, and its modulation is more relevant to agents used in conditions like schizophrenia, rather than anxiety disorders.

Choice D rationale:

Enhancing the activity of serotonin and norepinephrine is the correct mechanism of anxiolytics. Medications like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) work by increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. Serotonin and norepinephrine play critical roles in mood regulation and anxiety modulation.