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 D
The correct answer is Choice D.
Choice A rationale: Avoidance reinforces fear conditioning and impairs extinction learning; exposure-based strategies are more effective in reducing panic symptoms and restoring functional coping through cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Choice B rationale: Panic attacks are driven by autonomic dysregulation and cognitive misinterpretation, not physical pathology; suggesting physical illness increases somatic focus and health anxiety, worsening panic disorder outcomes.
Choice C rationale: Ignoring panic attacks delays cognitive restructuring and emotional processing; distraction may help short-term but does not address underlying maladaptive beliefs or autonomic hyperarousal.
Choice D rationale: Comorbidity between panic disorder and depression is well-documented; shared neurobiological pathways and chronic distress increase risk for mood disorders, requiring integrated assessment and treatment planning.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Substance abuse can be a significant complication of panic disorder. Individuals might turn to drugs or alcohol in attempts to self-medicate or alleviate symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
Hypertension isn't a primary complication of panic disorder. Panic attacks can lead to transient increases in blood pressure, but chronic hypertension isn't a well-documented outcome.
Choice C rationale:
Diabetes and panic disorder aren't directly linked. However, chronic stress and anxiety could potentially influence blood sugar levels in those predisposed to diabetes.
Choice D rationale:
Osteoporosis isn't a known complication of panic disorder. There's no physiological connection between panic attacks and bone health.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Assessing and diagnosing the client's physical health problems is important, but it does not accurately describe the nursing care for panic disorder. Panic disorder primarily involves psychological and emotional symptoms, so addressing the client's mental health needs takes precedence.
Choice B rationale:
Intervening and evaluating the client's social support and self-esteem accurately describe nursing care for panic disorder. Social support and self-esteem play significant roles in a client's ability to cope with and manage panic disorder. Nurses can provide interventions to enhance these factors, which can contribute to better outcomes.
Choice C rationale:
Monitoring for signs of serotonin syndrome is important when a client is taking certain medications, particularly serotonergic antidepressants. However, it is not a specific concern in panic disorder nursing care unless the client is on medication that could potentially lead to serotonin syndrome.
Choice D rationale:
Educating the client on the potential side effects of benzodiazepines is relevant, but it is not the most accurate description of nursing care for panic disorder. Nursing care goes beyond medication education and involves a comprehensive approach to addressing the client's emotional, psychological, and social needs.
Phobias
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