A nurse is providing education to a client with panic disorder about the pharmacological treatment options. Which statement by the client indicates understanding of the teaching?
"I should avoid medications that increase serotonin levels in the brain.”
"Antihypertensives can help reduce physical symptoms of panic attacks.”
"Antiepileptics can enhance the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.”
"Tricyclic antidepressants inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine in the brain.”
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
"I should avoid medications that increase serotonin levels in the brain." While avoiding medications that increase serotonin levels is relevant in some cases, it's not a comprehensive understanding of pharmacological treatment for panic disorder. Serotonin-related medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used for panic disorder treatment.
Choice B rationale:
"Antihypertensives can help reduce physical symptoms of panic attacks." This statement is not accurate. Antihypertensives are not commonly used to treat panic disorder. Medications like beta-blockers may be prescribed to manage some physical symptoms of anxiety, but they are not a primary treatment for panic disorder.
Choice C rationale:
"Antiepileptics can enhance the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain." This is the correct choice. Antiepileptic medications like pregabalin and gabapentin can indeed enhance the effects of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps reduce anxiety and panic. These medications are sometimes used to manage panic disorder symptoms.
Choice D rationale:
"Tricyclic antidepressants inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine in the brain." While tricyclic antidepressants have been used historically to treat panic disorder, they are not considered first-line treatments due to their potential side effects and the availability of newer, safer options. The statement in Choice D is accurate but not as relevant to current treatment approaches.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Collecting vital signs, weight, height, and BMI is important for a general health assessment, but these measurements are not the primary focus when assessing a client with panic disorder.
Choice B rationale:
Gathering information about the client's support system, self-esteem, and coping strategies is relevant for understanding the client's overall well-being, but it may not provide as much insight into the specific factors contributing to panic disorder.
Choice C rationale:
This choice is correct because it addresses essential aspects of the assessment for a client with panic disorder. Understanding the client's medical history can reveal any underlying health conditions that might contribute to anxiety. Knowledge of medication use is crucial to identify potential interactions or side effects that could exacerbate anxiety. Family history provides insight into genetic predispositions and potential risk factors.
Choice D rationale:
Collecting laboratory tests and diagnostic tools might be necessary for ruling out other medical conditions that could mimic anxiety symptoms, but these should be secondary to gathering information about medical history, medication use, and family history when assessing a client with panic disorder.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.