A nurse on an inpatient mental health unit is assisting with the care of a client who is experiencing panic level anxiety. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Voice tremors
Depersonalization
Shakiness
Poor concentration
The Correct Answer is B
A. Voice tremors are associated with moderate anxiety, where the individual begins to exhibit physical signs of distress but still retains some level of focus. At panic-level anxiety, communication becomes severely impaired, often resulting in unintelligible speech or complete loss of verbal ability.
B. Depersonalization, a dissociative symptom in which individuals feel detached from their own body or reality, is a hallmark of panic-level anxiety. During this state, individuals may experience a sense of unreality, feel as though they are outside their body, or believe that their surroundings are distorted, contributing to a profound sense of fear and disorientation.
C. Shakiness is a physiological response observed in moderate to severe anxiety due to increased autonomic arousal. However, at panic-level anxiety, the body is in a state of extreme crisis, often leading to more severe symptoms such as hyperventilation, loss of motor control, and derealization rather than mere shakiness.
D. Poor concentration is characteristic of moderate to severe anxiety, where cognitive function begins to decline due to excessive worry. However, in panic-level anxiety, cognitive function is severely impaired, and the individual may be unable to process information coherently, often leading to complete disorganization of thought.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Persistent depressive disorder is a mild chronic form of depression." PDD, previously known as dysthymia, is a long-lasting depressive condition with persistent low mood for at least two years. Symptoms are less severe than major depressive disorder but are continuous and can significantly impact daily life. While not as acute as major depression, PDD requires management through therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications.
B. "Persistent depressive disorder is characterized by delusions and hallucinations." Psychotic features such as delusions and hallucinations are not typical of persistent depressive disorder (PDD). These symptoms are more commonly associated with major depressive disorder with psychotic features or schizophrenia. PDD primarily involves chronic low-grade depression rather than severe psychotic symptoms.
C. "Persistent depressive occurs shortly after taking or withdrawing from a substance." Substance-induced depressive disorder is a distinct diagnosis that results from drug use or withdrawal. Persistent depressive disorder is not caused by substance use but is a long-term mood disorder that lasts for at least two years. The symptoms are chronic and not directly linked to substance intake or withdrawal.
D. "Persistent depressive is characterized by both manic and depressive episodes." Bipolar disorder, not persistent depressive disorder, is characterized by alternating manic and depressive episodes. PDD involves a chronic, low-level depressive state without manic symptoms. Individuals with PDD may experience periods of worsening depression, but they do not exhibit the high-energy or euphoric states seen in bipolar disorder.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Tell the client that there is nothing there. Dismissing the client's perception may increase distress and reduce trust in the nurse-client relationship. A therapeutic approach acknowledges the client’s experience without reinforcing or denying hallucinations.
B. Ask the client to describe what is being seen. Encouraging the client to describe the hallucination helps assess its nature and severity. Understanding the content allows the nurse to provide appropriate support, ensure safety, and guide interventions.
C. Touch the client's arm reassuringly. Touching the client without consent, especially during a distressing hallucination, may escalate fear or agitation. Maintaining a calm and non-threatening presence is more appropriate.
D. Remove the client from the room. Relocating the client without assessing the hallucination may not address the underlying distress. Identifying triggers and using therapeutic communication are more effective initial interventions.
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