A nurse is evaluating the outcomes of nursing interventions for a client with anxiety disorder. What is a possible positive outcome?

Choice A rationale:

Deep breathing is an appropriate relaxation technique for a client with anxiety disorder. It involves taking slow, deep breaths to activate the body's relaxation response. Deep breathing helps reduce the sympathetic nervous system's activity, leading to a calmer state. This technique is effective in lowering heart rate and blood pressure.

Choice D rationale:

Guided imagery is another suitable relaxation technique. It involves using mental visualization to create calming and peaceful images in the mind. Guided imagery can divert the client's attention away from stressors, promoting relaxation. This technique has been shown to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of well-being.

Choice B rationale:

Vigorous exercise is not typically recommended as a relaxation technique for individuals with anxiety disorder. While regular exercise has many benefits for mental health, intense exercise might actually increase physiological arousal and exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

Choice C rationale:

Hyperventilation is an inappropriate technique for relaxation. It involves rapid and shallow breathing, which can lead to an imbalance in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, resulting in dizziness, tingling sensations, and increased anxiety. This technique is counterproductive and can trigger panic attacks.

Choice E rationale:

Critical thinking exercises are not commonly used as relaxation techniques. These exercises engage the mind in problem-solving activities, which might not be suitable for promoting immediate relaxation. Instead, the focus should be on techniques that calm the body and mind.

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.