Which of the following is a characteristic of a specific phobia?
The fear or anxiety is not better explained by another mental disorder.
The individual fears or avoids social situations due to the perceived threat of negative evaluation.
The fear or anxiety is persistent, typically lasting for 6 months or more.
The individual fears or avoids certain situations due to thoughts of difficulty escaping or lack of available help in case of developing incapacitating symptoms.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
While this characteristic is important, it doesn't distinguish specific phobia from other mental disorders. It's a common requirement for many mental disorders to ensure the symptoms are not transient.
Choice B rationale:
This characteristic is more aligned with Social Phobia, where individuals fear negative evaluation in social situations, rather than Specific Phobia, which involves fear of specific situations or objects.
Choice C rationale:
The persistence of fear or anxiety for at least 6 months is a defining feature of specific phobias. This chronic nature helps differentiate it from transient fears or anxieties.
Choice D rationale:
This characteristic is related to Agoraphobia, where individuals fear situations in which they might develop incapacitating symptoms and lack available help. It doesn't specifically describe the fear of certain situations or objects seen in specific phobias.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice C rationale:
Collaborating with the client to set realistic and achievable goals for overcoming phobias (Choice C) is an example of a nursing intervention for phobias. This empowers the client to actively participate in their treatment, fostering a sense of control and motivation to confront their fears.
Choice A rationale:
Providing a safe and supportive environment for the client (Choice A) is important, but it is a more general intervention that doesn't specifically address the process of overcoming phobias.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging the client to avoid situations that trigger phobic responses (Choice B) is counterproductive, as mentioned earlier. It reinforces avoidance behaviors rather than helping the client confront their fears.
Choice D rationale:
Referring the client to other health care professionals as needed (Choice D) is a potential step in the treatment process, but it doesn't exemplify a direct nursing intervention for phobias. It's more about coordinating care if specialized help is required.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The client's statement reflects cognitive distortion, where their thoughts are irrational and exaggerated. The client's intense fear of bad things happening during a flight and their inability to imagine being on a plane without fear are examples of distorted thinking patterns.
Choice B rationale:
Maladaptive coping refers to using ineffective strategies to deal with stress or anxiety. While the client's fear of flying is indeed a maladaptive response, the statement doesn't directly describe coping mechanisms.
Choice C rationale:
Rational thinking involves logical and balanced thoughts. The client's statement does not reflect rational thinking, as their fear is intense and irrational.
Choice D rationale:
Effective self-management involves using appropriate strategies to manage one's fears or anxieties. The client's statement does not indicate effective self-management, as their fear seems to be controlling their emotions and thoughts rather than managing them.
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