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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Asking the client about coping strategies and support systems is an appropriate assessment question for a client with panic disorder. This question allows the nurse to understand how the client manages their panic attacks and identifies the resources available to them. The response can provide insights into the client's adaptive or maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Choice B rationale:
Inquiring about the frequency of panic attacks and their triggers is important, but this question may not be appropriate as the initial assessment question. It's better to first establish a rapport and gather broader information about the client's experiences before delving into specific details.
Choice C rationale:
Asking about current medications is relevant, but it might be more suitable after building rapport and discussing the client's overall situation. Focusing solely on medication can overlook other important aspects of the client's condition and coping strategies.
Choice D rationale:
Inquiring about laboratory tests is not directly relevant to the assessment of panic disorder. Panic disorder is primarily diagnosed based on clinical criteria, and laboratory tests are not typically used for diagnosis.
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.
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