A nurse is planning care using systematic desensitization for a client who has severe claustrophobia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

A) Identify the client's preferred relaxation technique to use prior to each step of the therapy:
Systematic desensitization involves gradually exposing the client to the anxiety-inducing stimulus while using relaxation techniques to manage anxiety. Identifying the client's preferred relaxation technique is crucial to help them remain calm and reduce their phobia-related anxiety during each step of the therapy.

B) Administer an anxiolytic medication 1 hr prior to the scheduled therapy session:
While anxiolytic medications can help reduce anxiety, systematic desensitization typically relies on non-pharmacological methods to help the client gradually overcome their phobia. The goal is for the client to develop coping mechanisms without medication.

C) Expose the client to an excess amount of anxiety-inducing stimulus to extinguish the phobia:
Exposing the client to an excess amount of anxiety-inducing stimuli is not appropriate for systematic desensitization. This method, known as flooding, can overwhelm the client and increase their anxiety, potentially worsening the phobia rather than alleviating it.

D) Ask the client to snap a rubber band worn on the wrist to minimize anxiety when thinking about the phobia:
Snapping a rubber band on the wrist is a distraction technique that might provide temporary relief from anxiety. However, it is not a core component of systematic desensitization, which focuses on gradual exposure and the use of relaxation techniques to manage anxiety

A) Hyperreflexia:
Hyperreflexia is typically associated with low calcium levels (hypocalcemia), not elevated levels. An elevated calcium level often results in reduced neuromuscular excitability, leading to diminished reflexes rather than heightened ones.

B) Diarrhea:
Elevated calcium levels are more likely to cause constipation rather than diarrhea. Hypercalcemia often slows gastrointestinal motility, which can lead to decreased bowel movements and constipation.

C) Muscle twitching:
Muscle twitching is generally a symptom of hypocalcemia rather than hypercalcemia. Elevated calcium levels tend to depress neuromuscular activity, making muscle twitching less likely.

D) Lethargy:
Lethargy is a common symptom of hypercalcemia. High calcium levels can depress the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, confusion, and lethargy. This makes lethargy a likely finding in a client with an elevated total calcium level.