ANXIETY Flashcards
-A vague feeling of dread or apprehension
-A response to external or internal stimuli
-Unavoidable and can have both positive and negative functions.
-Future- oriented, long- acting response focused on a diffuse threat
Anxiety
-Feeling of being afraid or threatened by a clearly identifiable external stimulus that represents danger to a person.
-Present- oriented, short- lived response to a clearly identifiable and specific threat
Fear
Levels of Anxiety
- Mild
- Moderate
- Severe
- Panic
A sensation that something is different and warrants special attention.
Mild Anxiety
Characterized by increased sensory stimulation
Mild Anxiety
Motivates people to makes changes or engage in goal-directed activities
Mild Anxiety
Mild Anxiety Symptoms
-Widened perceptual field
-Increased motivation
-Sharpened senses
-Effective problem-solving
-Fidgeting
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Difficulty sleeping
-GI “butterflies”
- Enhanced learning ability
Interventions is necessary in Mild Anxiety?
NO
Disturbing feeling that something is definitely wrong: the person becomes nervous or agitated.
Moderate Anxiety
Disturbing feeling that something is definitely wrong: the person becomes nervous or agitated
Moderate Anxiety
Difficulty concentrating independently but can be redirected to the topic
Moderate Anxiety
Moderate Anxiety Manifestations
-Perceptual field narrowed to immediate task
- Automatisms
- GI upset
- Urinary Frequency
- Diaphoresis
- Dry Mouth
Management of Moderate Anxiety
-Ascertain that the client is following what you are saying.
-Speak in short, simple, and easy- to- understand sentences.
-Redirect client back to topic if he or she goes off tangent.
Has trouble thinking and reasoning
Severe Anxiety
Can no longer pay attention and take information.
Severe Anxiety
Perceptual field reduced to one detail
Severe Anxiety
Muscles tighten and vital signs increase
Severe Anxiety
Severe Anxiety Manifestations
-Vital signs increase
-Acts to relieve anxiety, ineffective
-Cries, Can’t respond to redirection
- Ability to learn/solve problems is ineffective
- Nausea and vomiting
- Trembling
Severe Anxiety Management
-Goal (Lower the level of anxiety)
-Remain with the client
-If patient cannot sit still, walk with him or her
-Talk in a low, calm, and soothing voice
Fight, flight, or freeze responses dominates.
Panic
Vital signs are greatly increased
Panic
Focus is survival and has no capacity for rational thought
Panic
Panic Manifestation
-Suicidal
-Altered perceptions
- Bolt and run/mute or immobile
- Ability to verbally communication is lost
- Wants to save self
Management of Panic
-Safety is the primary concern
- Continue to communicate in a comforting manner
- Move to a small, quiet, and non-stimulating environment
- Reassure that anxiety will pass and that he or she is in a safe place
- Remain with the client until anxiety recedes.
Drugs use for Panic
-Benzodiazepines (Not a cure for anxiety)
-Short term use only, no longer than 4 to 6 weeks
A fast acting drug
Diazepam (Valium)
A Intermediate Acting drug
Alprazolam (Xanor)
Slow Acting Drug
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Side Effects of Benzodiazepines
-Dizziness
-Blurred Vision
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- High potential for abuse
Nursing Responsibilities for Benzodiazepines
-Avoid other CNS depressants and caffeine
- Change positions slowly
- Use sugar-free beverages or hard candy for dry mouth
- Increase oral fluid intake
