Review Practice Exercise 3

Generalized Anxiety Disorder > Mental Health

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Practice Exercise 3

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Total Questions : 5

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Question 1:

Which of the following medications is commonly prescribed for long-term management of generalized anxiety disorder?

A. Alprazolam B. Buspirone C. Haloperidol D. Lithium

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine used for short-term relief due to rapid onset. Long-term use risks tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal, making it unsuitable for chronic GAD management.

Choice B:

Buspirone is FDA-approved for GAD and preferred for long-term use due to its non-sedating profile and low risk of dependence. It modulates serotonin without affecting GABA, making it suitable for chronic anxiety.

Choice C:

Haloperidol is an antipsychotic used for schizophrenia and agitation. It is not indicated for GAD and may worsen anxiety symptoms due to dopamine blockade and extrapyramidal side effects.

Choice D:

Lithium is a mood stabilizer used in bipolar disorder. It is not approved for GAD and lacks evidence for efficacy in anxiety without comorbid mood instability.

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Question 2:

Which nursing interventions are appropriate for a client diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder? Select all that apply.

A. Encourage verbalization of feelings B. Teach relaxation and deep breathing techniques C. Administer stimulants as needed D. Maintain a calm and structured environment E. Challenge cognitive distortions

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Verbal expression and emotional processing are essential in reducing internalized anxiety. Encouraging clients to articulate their feelings helps externalize worry and fosters therapeutic rapport.

Choice B:

Relaxation techniques and deep breathing activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing sympathetic overdrive. These methods decrease physical symptoms like tachycardia and hyperventilation.

Choice C:

Stimulants exacerbate anxiety symptoms by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine activity. They heighten arousal, worsen insomnia, and may trigger panic responses. They are contraindicated in GAD unless comorbid ADHD is present and carefully managed.

Choice D:

Environmental stability and predictability reduce sensory overload and minimize triggers. A calm, structured setting lowers arousal levels and supports emotional containment.

Choice E:

Cognitive distortions such as catastrophizing and overgeneralization perpetuate anxiety. Challenging these through cognitive restructuring helps clients develop more adaptive thought patterns.

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Question 3:

Which statement by a client taking buspirone for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) indicates a need for further teaching?

A. “I understand this drug might take a few weeks to work.” B. “I’ll take it every day as prescribed, not just when I’m anxious.” C. “I should avoid alcohol while taking this medication.” D. “I can stop the medication once I feel better next week.”

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Buspirone’s delayed onset is well understood here. It typically takes 2–4 weeks to reach full efficacy, so this statement reflects accurate patient knowledge.

Choice B:

Daily administration is essential for buspirone’s effectiveness. It is not used on an as-needed basis, so this statement shows proper understanding.

Choice C:

Alcohol can potentiate CNS effects like dizziness and sedation. Avoiding alcohol is appropriate and indicates safe medication practices.

Choice D:

Discontinuation without medical guidance is inappropriate. Buspirone requires gradual tapering to prevent rebound anxiety. Feeling better does not justify abrupt cessation, especially within one week of starting therapy.

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Question 4:

What is a key advantage of buspirone compared to benzodiazepines in treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

A. Rapid onset of action B. Lower risk of dependence C. More effective in acute panic D. Sedative effects

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Buspirone has a delayed onset of action, typically requiring 2–4 weeks for full effect. Benzodiazepines act within minutes to hours, making them more suitable for rapid relief.

Choice B:

Dependence risk is significantly lower with buspirone because it does not act on GABA receptors. This avoids the tolerance and withdrawal seen with benzodiazepines, making it safer for chronic use.

Choice C:

Buspirone is not effective in acute panic episodes due to its slow onset. Benzodiazepines are preferred in such cases for immediate symptom control.

Choice D:

Buspirone lacks sedative properties. Unlike benzodiazepines, it does not impair cognition or motor function, which is an advantage but not the correct answer in this context.

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Question 5:

Which non-pharmacological therapies are supported by evidence in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)? Select all that apply.

A. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) B. Psychoanalysis C. Biofeedback D. Relaxation training E. Hypnotherapy

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most evidence-based psychotherapy for GAD. It targets maladaptive thoughts and promotes behavioral restructuring, reducing worry intensity and improving coping.

Choice B:

Psychoanalysis lacks robust evidence for GAD. It focuses on unconscious conflicts and early relational patterns, which are not primary drivers of GAD symptoms.

Choice C:

Biofeedback trains individuals to regulate autonomic responses like heart rate and muscle tension. It improves self-awareness and reduces physiological arousal associated with anxiety.

Choice D:

Relaxation training, including progressive muscle relaxation and breathing techniques, reduces sympathetic activation and enhances parasympathetic tone, lowering baseline anxiety levels.

Choice E:

Hypnotherapy has limited and inconsistent data for GAD. While it may aid in acute stress reduction, it is not considered a first-line or evidence-supported intervention for chronic anxiety disorders.

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Practice Exercise 3

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