A nurse is providing education to a client diagnosed with a specific phobia. Which medication class should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

Choice A rationale:

Exposure therapy is indeed a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) It involves systematically exposing individuals to the feared object or situation in a controlled and gradual manner. The goal is to reduce their anxiety or fear response over time through repeated exposures. By confronting their fears, individuals can learn that their anxiety decreases over time, leading to behavioral changes.

Choice B rationale:

While cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) often includes challenging irrational thoughts and beliefs, exposure therapy primarily focuses on the behavioral aspect of fear reduction through systematic exposure. Cognitive restructuring, which addresses irrational beliefs, is a distinct component of CBT but not the primary emphasis of exposure therapy.

Choice C rationale:

Exposure therapy does not inherently involve teaching clients relaxation techniques. Instead, it centers on controlled exposure to the feared stimulus to weaken the fear response. Relaxation techniques might be used in some cases to help manage anxiety, but they are not a defining characteristic of exposure therapy.

Choice D rationale:

Although exposure therapy can be effective for various phobias, it is not exclusive to social phobias. It can be applied to specific phobias, agoraphobia, and other anxiety disorders as well.

Choice A rationale:

Psychoeducation (Choice A) involves providing the client with information about their condition, treatment options, and coping strategies. It can help the client understand their phobia better and empower them to take an active role in managing their fear.

Choice B rationale:

Cognitive therapy (Choice B) focuses on identifying and challenging irrational thoughts and beliefs related to the phobia. By changing thought patterns, clients can learn to respond to their phobic triggers in a more rational and less anxiety-provoking manner.

Choice C rationale:

Behavioral therapy (Choice C), including exposure therapy, is a cornerstone of phobia treatment. It involves gradually exposing the client to the feared stimulus in a controlled manner, helping them learn that their anxiety decreases over time.

Choice D rationale:

Relaxation therapy (Choice D) teaches clients relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation. These techniques can help reduce overall anxiety levels and provide a sense of control in anxiety-provoking situations.

Choice E rationale:

All of the above (Choice E) is the correct answer because each of the listed non-pharmacological therapies (psychoeducation, cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, relaxation therapy) plays a valuable role in helping clients cope with their phobias. They can be used in combination to provide comprehensive support for the client's needs.