Which class of medications is commonly used for the pharmacological treatment of panic disorder?

Beta-blockers.

Anticonvulsants.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale:

Beta-blockers are not commonly used for the pharmacological treatment of panic disorder. While they are used for conditions like hypertension and certain heart conditions, they are not the primary choice for panic disorder. Panic disorder primarily involves disturbances in brain neurotransmitters, which beta-blockers do not directly target.

Choice B rationale:

Anticonvulsants are not the primary choice for treating panic disorder. While they may be used for other conditions such as epilepsy or bipolar disorder, their effectiveness in treating panic disorder is limited compared to other classes of medications like SSRIs.

Choice C rationale:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used for the pharmacological treatment of panic disorder. Panic disorder often involves imbalances in serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in mood regulation. SSRIs help increase serotonin levels in the brain by blocking its reuptake, thereby alleviating symptoms of panic and anxiety.

Choice D rationale:

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are sometimes used for panic disorder, but they are not the first-line treatment due to their potential side effects and safety concerns. SSRIs have largely replaced TCAs as the preferred choice due to their better tolerability and safety profile.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Advising the client to avoid triggering situations oversimplifies the management of panic disorder. Exposure therapy is a common treatment, gradually confronting feared situations to reduce anxiety.

Choice B rationale:

This choice reflects an appropriate understanding of panic disorder. Panic attacks are primarily driven by psychological factors, and reassuring the client that there's nothing physically wrong helps reduce unnecessary health concerns.

Choice C rationale:

Encouraging the client to ignore panic attacks isn't therapeutic. Acknowledging and learning to manage the attacks, rather than suppressing them, is essential.

Choice D rationale:

While comorbidity exists, directly associating panic disorder with depression can be misleading. Not all individuals with panic disorder experience depression.

A. "I should avoid medications that increase serotonin levels in the brain.” B. "Antihypertensives can help reduce physical symptoms of panic attacks.” C. "Antiepileptics can enhance the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.” D. "Tricyclic antidepressants inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine in the brain.”

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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.

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Which class of medications is commonly used for the pharmacological treatment of panic disorder?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing care to a client with panic disorder. Which of the following statements by the nurse is appropriate?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is providing education to a client diagnosed with panic disorder. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the disorder?

A nurse is caring for a client with panic disorder who is prescribed pharmacological treatment. Which interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care? Select all that apply.

A nurse is assessing a client with panic disorder. Which statement by the nurse would be appropriate during the assessment?

A client with panic disorder is experiencing anticipatory anxiety. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of anticipatory anxiety?

A nurse is formulating nursing diagnoses for a client with panic disorder. Which nursing diagnosis would be appropriate for this client?

A nurse is assessing a client with panic disorder who is prescribed benzodiazepines. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further education?

Which of the following is a possible risk factor for panic disorder?

A nurse is assessing a client with panic disorder. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse expect to find during a panic attack? Select all that apply.