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Clinical Manifestations and Complications


- The main symptom of GAD is excessive and persistent worry that interferes with daily activities and causes significant distress.

- The worry may focus on various domains, such as health, finances, relationships, work performance, or future events.

- The worry is difficult to control and often leads to avoidance of situations that may trigger anxiety.

- In addition to worry, people with GAD may experience a variety of physical and psychological symptoms, such as:

  • Restlessness or feeling on edge
  • Fatigue or difficulty sleeping
  • Irritability or mood swings
  • Muscle tension or pain
  • Headaches or gastrointestinal problems
  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering
  • Nervousness or trembling
  • Palpitations or chest pain
  • Shortness of breath or hyperventilation
  • Sweating or hot flashes
  • Nausea or dizziness

- The symptoms of GAD may vary in intensity and frequency depending on the level of stress, coping skills, and treatment adherence.

- If left untreated, GAD can lead to serious complications, such as:

  • Impaired social and occupational functioning
  • Reduced quality of life and well-being
  • Increased risk of depression, suicide, or substance abuse
  • Increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, or obesity

Questions on Clinical Manifestations and Complications

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Chest pain is not the primary characteristic of GAD. Chest pain might be associated with anxiety, but it's not the defining feature of GAD. GAD primarily involves excessive and uncontrollable worry.

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]

Explanation

Hallucinations are not commonly associated with GAD. Hallucinations involve perceptual experiences that are not based in reality, and they are more characteristic of other mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, not GAD.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

This statement is correct. Excessive worry is indeed a key feature of GAD. Individuals with GAD experience persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of their life, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as restlessness, muscle tension, and fatigue. This worry is difficult to control and can lead to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Stating that avoiding triggers is a permanent solution for GAD is inaccurate. Avoidance only offers temporary relief and does not address the underlying anxiety or provide long-term strategies for managing it. Without proper intervention, the client's anxiety is likely to persist and even worsen.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A history of trauma or abuse is a well-established risk factor for GAD. Traumatic experiences can result in heightened anxiety responses and the development of anxiety disorders as a way of coping with the trauma.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Inquiring about the preferred type of relaxation technique is relevant but not as high a priority as understanding potential trauma and abuse history. Addressing trauma-related issues is fundamental to developing an effective treatment plan for GAD.

Correct Answer is ["A","D"]

Explanation

Discouraging seeking social support is not appropriate for a client with GAD. Social support plays a crucial role in managing anxiety. Connecting with friends, family, or support groups can provide emotional reassurance, understanding, and an opportunity for the client to express their feelings. Isolation, on the other hand, can worsen anxiety.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

<p>Responding with &quot;I understand you&#39;re having trouble focusing&quot; is how the nurse should appropriately respond. This response acknowledges the client&#39;s experience and shows understanding of their symptoms. It encourages further communication and allows the client to express their feelings. It&#39;s important to address the client&#39;s restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and racing thoughts rather than attributing them to tiredness(Choice C) or suggesting keeping busy (Choice B), which may not address the underlying anxiety.</p>

This is the correct choice. GAD involves excessive and uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life, such as health, work, relationships, and everyday situations. This worry is often disproportionate to the actual situation and can cause significant distress and impairment in daily life.

Recent social interactions may be relevant, but they are not as crucial as identifying the client's preferred methods of relaxation in order to address their anxiety symptoms.

Advising against any form of physical activity is not recommended. Regular physical activity can have a positive impact on mental health and can help alleviate anxiety symptoms.

"Don't worry; these thoughts will pass soon." This response might be misleading and inaccurate. It doesn't provide any substantial help for managing the client's anxiety and could create false expectations.

"The client is probably feeling overwhelmed by anxiety." This response directly correlates the observed symptoms (restlessness, difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts) with anxiety, which is a common manifestation of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

"GAD is primarily caused by physical health issues." While physical health issues can contribute to anxiety, GAD is a complex condition influenced by various factors including genetics, brain chemistry, and life experiences. This option oversimplifies the disorder's etiology. Panic Disorder

No explanation
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