The nurse is caring for a client with schizotypal personality disorder who was experiencing transient psychotic episodes that led to admission. The client was unkempt and appeared not to have bathed for quite some time. When planning the care of this client, which will be the focus of the nursing interventions? Select all that apply.

Choice A reason: This choice does not typically relate to illness anxiety disorder, as the concern is usually about having an illness, not the aftermath of confirmed physical health issues.

Choice B reason: Constant worry about the undiagnosed presence of an illness is a hallmark of illness anxiety disorder, where individuals are preoccupied with having or acquiring a serious illness despite medical evaluation and reassurance.

Choice C reason: Sudden loss of peripheral sensation is more indicative of a neurological condition rather than illness anxiety disorder.

Choice D reason: An obsession over a fictitious defect in physical appearance is characteristic of body dysmorphic disorder, not illness anxiety disorder.

Choice A: Hyperventilation

Hyperventilation is rapid breathing that usually occurs because of anxiety or panic. This leads to low levels of carbon dioxide in your blood which causes a number of symptoms. Hyperventilation in anxiety can be a tricky thing to understand. On one hand, it can feel like you're suffocating or not getting enough air. On the other hand, hyperventilation can also cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and lightheadedness.

Choice B: Irritability

Irritability is a common symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Individuals with GAD often experience severe feelings of fear and unease and report feeling restless and irritable that interfere with the quality of their life.

Choice C: Anorexia

While there is a relationship between anxiety disorders and anorexia nervosa, anorexia is not a common symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Anorexia nervosa is a separate disorder that involves a fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image.

Choice D: Insomnia

Insomnia is highly prevalent in psychiatric disorders, and it has significant implications. The anxiety that characterizes GAD often interferes with the ability to sleep and leads to insomnia. This is not unexpected. Anxiety might be viewed as an inappropriate escalation of a response called arousal.

Choice E: Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Individuals with GAD may feel restless and have trouble relaxing. They may also tire easily or feel tired all the time.