A nurse is evaluating the outcomes for a client with panic disorder. Which outcome would indicate effective management of panic disorder?
The client reports a decrease in the frequency and severity of panic attacks.
The client engages in social activities and maintains supportive relationships.
The client demonstrates effective coping skills and positive self-talk.
The client adheres to the prescribed treatment regimen and follows up with appointments.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
If the client reports a decrease in the frequency and severity of panic attacks, it indicates effective management of panic disorder. This outcome suggests that the treatment interventions are successfully reducing the occurrence and intensity of panic attacks, leading to improved overall well-being.
Choice B rationale:
While engaging in social activities and maintaining supportive relationships (choice B) is important for the client's mental health, it doesn't directly indicate the effectiveness of panic disorder management. The client might be socially active but still experiencing panic attacks.
Choice C rationale:
Demonstrating effective coping skills and positive self-talk (choice C) is certainly a positive outcome. However, this alone might not fully reflect the successful management of panic disorder. Effective coping skills are a part of the management plan, but the reduction in panic attack frequency is a more specific indicator of treatment effectiveness.
Choice D rationale:
Adhering to the prescribed treatment regimen and following up with appointments (choice D) is crucial for any medical condition, including panic disorder. However, this outcome doesn't directly measure the reduction in panic attacks, which is a more specific measure of successful management.
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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:
"Tell me about your coping strategies and support system." This choice may not be the most appropriate initial question because it focuses on coping strategies and support systems rather than gathering information about the frequency and triggers of panic attacks. While coping strategies and support systems are important, understanding the pattern of panic attacks is crucial for assessment and planning.
Choice B rationale:
"How often do you experience panic attacks and what triggers them?" This is the correct choice. It directly addresses the primary concerns related to panic disorder by inquiring about the frequency of panic attacks and their triggers. This information is essential for developing a comprehensive understanding of the client's condition and tailoring an effective treatment plan.
Choice C rationale:
"What medications are you currently taking for your panic disorder?" While inquiring about medication use is important, this question should come after understanding the frequency and triggers of panic attacks. Knowing about medications alone does not provide a holistic picture of the client's experience with panic disorder.
Choice D rationale:
"Have you ever had any laboratory tests done for your panic disorder?" This question is not directly relevant to the assessment of panic disorder. Panic disorder is primarily diagnosed based on clinical symptoms and criteria outlined in diagnostic manuals like the DSM-5. Laboratory tests are not routinely used for diagnosing panic disorder, so this question might not yield pertinent information for assessment.
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