A nurse is planning care for a client with a phobia. Which nursing intervention is appropriate for this client?
Encouraging the client to face their fear gradually.
Administering benzodiazepines as needed for acute anxiety.
Providing psychoeducation about the causes and effects of phobias.
Teaching the client relaxation techniques to manage anxiety.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Encouraging the client to face their fear gradually is a cornerstone of exposure therapy, a proven psychological approach for treating phobias. Gradual exposure helps the client confront their fears in a controlled manner, allowing them to build tolerance and reduce anxiety over time.
Choice B rationale:
Administering benzodiazepines as needed for acute anxiety (choice B) is not the first-line intervention for treating phobias. While benzodiazepines can provide rapid relief from acute anxiety, they do not address the underlying phobia and can lead to dependence if used excessively.
Choice C rationale:
Providing psychoeducation about the causes and effects of phobias is valuable, but it alone might not be as effective as exposure therapy or other evidence-based treatments. Educating the client about the nature of phobias can complement their treatment plan.
Choice D rationale:
Teaching the client relaxation techniques to manage anxiety is beneficial but might not be as effective as exposure therapy for addressing phobias directly. Relaxation techniques can be useful in managing general anxiety, but specific phobias are best treated with exposure-based interventions.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
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:
The statement "This medication will help regulate my mood and anxiety" is accurate. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed for mood and anxiety disorders, including phobias. They work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain to improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Choice B rationale:
The statement "I should expect to see immediate results after taking this medication" is incorrect. This suggests a misunderstanding about the timeline for antidepressant effectiveness. Antidepressants typically take several weeks to show noticeable effects. It's important to educate the client that gradual improvement over time is expected.
Choice C rationale:
The statement "I may experience side effects such as nausea and drowsiness" is accurate. Many antidepressants can indeed cause side effects like nausea, drowsiness, and other gastrointestinal symptoms, especially when starting the medication. Educating the client about potential side effects promotes informed decision-making.
Choice D rationale:
The statement "It's important to take this medication consistently as prescribed" is accurate. Consistent adherence to the prescribed medication regimen is crucial for the effectiveness of antidepressants. Missing doses or stopping the medication abruptly can lead to discontinuation symptoms and a potential relapse of symptoms.
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