A nurse is providing care to a client with panic disorder. Which of the following statements by the nurse is appropriate?
"You should avoid situations that might trigger your panic attacks.".
"Having panic attacks means there's something physically wrong with you.".
"You should try to ignore your panic attacks and distract yourself.".
"It's common for people with panic disorder to also experience depression.".
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Advising the client to avoid triggering situations oversimplifies the management of panic disorder. Exposure therapy is a common treatment, gradually confronting feared situations to reduce anxiety.
Choice B rationale:
This choice reflects an appropriate understanding of panic disorder. Panic attacks are primarily driven by psychological factors, and reassuring the client that there's nothing physically wrong helps reduce unnecessary health concerns.
Choice C rationale:
Encouraging the client to ignore panic attacks isn't therapeutic. Acknowledging and learning to manage the attacks, rather than suppressing them, is essential.
Choice D rationale:
While comorbidity exists, directly associating panic disorder with depression can be misleading. Not all individuals with panic disorder experience depression.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Palpitations, or a racing heart, are a common symptom of panic attacks. The body's "fight or flight" response during a panic attack can lead to rapid heart rate and sensations of palpitations.
Choice B rationale:
Numbness and tingling sensations, often referred to as paresthesias, can occur during a panic attack. These sensations are a result of the body's physiological response to stress, leading to altered sensory perceptions.
Choice D rationale:
Fear of losing control is a characteristic symptom of panic attacks. Individuals with panic disorder often describe feeling as though they are losing control over their thoughts, emotions, or even their physical actions during an attack.
Choice E rationale:
Muscle weakness can be experienced during a panic attack due to the release of stress hormones and the physiological changes that accompany the fight-or-flight response. This weakness can affect various muscle groups.
Choice C rationale:
Increased appetite is not typically associated with panic attacks. Panic attacks are more commonly associated with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or stomach discomfort rather than an increased appetite.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Teaching relaxation techniques is a priority intervention for clients with panic disorder. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness, can help manage anxiety symptoms and reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. These techniques empower clients to regain a sense of control over their anxiety.
Choice B rationale:
Administering antianxiety medication can be a helpful intervention, but it should not be prioritized over non-pharmacological approaches like teaching relaxation techniques. Medications may have side effects and are typically considered after other strategies have been explored.
Choice C rationale:
Encouraging socialization is important for overall mental health, but it may not directly address the immediate needs of a client experiencing panic disorder. Managing panic attacks and providing coping mechanisms should take precedence during the assessment.
Choice D rationale:
Monitoring vital signs regularly is important, but it is not the highest priority for a client with panic disorder. Addressing anxiety symptoms and providing appropriate interventions to manage panic attacks should come first.
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