A nurse is providing care to a client with panic disorder. Which of the following statements by the nurse is appropriate?

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.

Choice A rationale:

The statement "I'm not worried about having another panic attack" indicates a lack of understanding of anticipatory anxiety. Anticipatory anxiety is characterized by the fear of experiencing future panic attacks, so this statement contradicts that concept.

Choice B rationale:

This choice is correct because it reflects an accurate understanding of anticipatory anxiety. Anticipatory anxiety is the fear of being in situations or places where escape might be challenging or embarrassing in the event of a panic attack. This fear often leads to avoidance behavior and can worsen the overall anxiety.

Choice C rationale:

The statement "I don't think my panic attacks are related to my thought patterns" suggests a misunderstanding of the connection between thoughts and panic attacks. In reality, panic attacks are often triggered by anxious thoughts and thought patterns.

Choice D rationale:

The statement "I believe my panic attacks are caused by a substance I'm using" indicates a different perspective on the origin of panic attacks. While substance use can contribute to anxiety or trigger panic attacks in some cases, anticipatory anxiety specifically refers to the fear of future panic attacks, not their immediate causes.