Test 2

Question 1

True or false: Panic is considered abnormal regardless of the situation and degree of threat.

Answer 1

False. Panic is considered normal during periods of threat; it is considered abnormal when it is continuously experienced in situations of no real physical or psychological threat is present.

Question 2

Which agent would a nurse least likely expect to administer to a patient experiencing panic disorder? 
A. Fluoxetine
B. Sertraline 
C. Imipramine
D. Buspirone

Answer 2

D
Buspirone is more likely to be prescribed for a patient experiencing generalized anxiety disorder. Fluoxetine, sertraline, and imipramine are used to treat panic disorder.

Question 3

A patient with OCD has a fear of contamination. Which nursing diagnosis would be a priority? 
A. Impaired Skin Integrity
B. Hopelessness
C. Ineffective Role Performance
D. Social Isolation

Answer 3

A. Impaired Skin Integrity
Although hopelessness, ineffective role performance, and social isolation may be appropriate, fear of contamination, the most common obsession, results in compulsive hand washing, placing the patient at risk for impaired skin integrity.

Question 4

A patient with PTSD startles easily and reacts irritably to small annoyances. The nurse interprets this as which of the following? 
A. Hyperarousal
B. Intrusion
C. Avoidance
D. Numbing

Answer 4

A. Hyperarousal
Hyperarousal is manifested by being hypervigilant for signs of danger, becoming easily startled, reacting irritably to small annoyances and sleeping poorly. Intrusion refers to the individual continually experiencing the event through flashbacks and nightmares. Avoidance and numbing reflect complete powerlessness by the individual.

Question 5

A nursing instructor is teaching about specific phobias. Which student statement should indicate that learning has occurred?
A. “These clients do not recognize that their fear is excessive and rarely seek treatment.”
B. “These clients have a panic level of fear that is overwhelming and unreasonable.”
C. “These clients experience symptoms that mirror a cerebrovascular accident (CVA).”
D. “These clients experience the symptoms of tachycardia, dysphagia, and diaphoresis.”

Answer 5

ANS: B
The nursing instructor should evaluate that learning has occurred when the student knows that clients experiencing phobias have a panic level of fear that is overwhelming and unreasonable. Phobia is fear cued by a specific object or situation in which exposure to the stimuli produces an immediate anxiety response.

Question 6

How would a nurse differentiate a client diagnosed with a social phobia from a client diagnosed with a schizoid personality disorder (SPD)?
A. Clients diagnosed with social phobia can manage anxiety without medications, whereas clients diagnosed with SPD can manage anxiety only with medications.
B. Clients diagnosed with SPD are distressed by the symptoms experienced in social settings, whereas clients diagnosed with social phobia are not.
C. Clients diagnosed with social phobia avoid interactions only in social settings, whereas clients diagnosed with SPD avoid interactions in all areas of life.
D. Clients diagnosed with SPD avoid interactions only in social settings, whereas clients diagnosed with social phobias tend to avoid interactions in all areas of life.

Answer 6

ANS: C
Clients diagnosed with social phobia avoid interactions only in social settings, whereas clients diagnosed with SPD avoid interactions in all areas of life. Social phobia is an excessive fear of situations in which a person might do something embarrassing or be evaluated negatively by others.

Question 7

How would a nurse differentiate a client diagnosed with panic disorder from a client diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
A. GAD is acute in nature, and panic disorder is chronic.
B. Chest pain is a common GAD symptom, whereas this symptom is absent in panic disorders.
C. Hyperventilation is a common symptom in GAD and rare in panic disorder.
D. Depersonalization is commonly seen in panic disorder and absent in GAD.

Answer 7

ANS: D
The nurse should recognize that a client diagnosed with panic disorder experiences depersonalization, whereas a client diagnosed with GAD would not. Depersonalization refers to being detached from oneself when experiencing extreme anxiety.

Question 8

Which treatment should a nurse identify as most appropriate for clients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
A. Long-term treatment with diazepam (Valium)
B. Acute symptom control with citalopram (Celexa)
C. Long-term treatment with buspirone (BuSpar)
D. Acute symptom control with ziprasidone (Geodon)

Answer 8

ANS: C
The nurse should identify that an appropriate treatment for clients diagnosed with GAD is long-term treatment with buspirone. Buspirone is an anxiolytic medication that is effective in 60% to 80% of clients with GAD. It takes 10 to 14 days for alleviation of symptoms but does not have the dependency concerns of other anxiolytics.

Question 9

A client refuses to go on a cruise to the Bahamas with his spouse due to fearing that the cruise ship will sink and all will drown. Using a cognitive theory perspective, how should a nurse explain to the spouse the etiology of this fear?
A. “Your spouse may be unable to resolve internal conflicts which result in projected anxiety.”
B. “Your spouse may be experiencing a distorted and unrealistic appraisal of the situation.”
C. “Your spouse may have a genetic predisposition to overreacting to potential danger.”
D. “Your spouse may have high levels of brain chemicals that may distort thinking.”

Answer 9

ANS: B
The nurse should explain that from a cognitive perspective the client is experiencing a distorted and unrealistic appraisal of the situation. From a cognitive perspective, fear is described as the result of faulty cognitions.

Question 10

How would a nurse differentiate a client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) from a client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder?
A. Clients diagnosed with OCD experience both obsessions and compulsions, and clients diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder do not.
B. Clients diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder experience both obsessions and compulsions, and clients diagnosed with OCD do not.
C. Clients diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder experience only obsessions, and clients diagnosed with OCD experience only compulsions.
D. Clients diagnosed with OCD experience only obsessions, and clients diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder experience only compulsions.

Answer 10

ANS: A
A client diagnosed with OCD experiences both obsessions and compulsions. Clients diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder exhibit a pervasive pattern of preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and mental and interpersonal control.

Question 11

A cab driver, stuck in traffic, suddenly is lightheaded, tremulous, diaphoretic, and experiences tachycardia and dyspnea. An extensive workup in an emergency department reveals no pathology. Which medical diagnosis is suspected, and what nursing diagnosis takes priority?
A. Generalized anxiety disorder and a nursing diagnosis of fear
B. Altered sensory perception and a nursing diagnosis of panic disorder
C. Pain disorder and a nursing diagnosis of altered role performance
D. Panic disorder and a nursing diagnosis of anxiety

Answer 11

ANS: D
The nurse should suspect that the client has exhibited signs/symptoms of a panic disorder. The priority nursing diagnosis should be anxiety. Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent, sudden onset panic attacks in which the person feels intense fear, apprehension, or terror.

Question 12

A client diagnosed with panic disorder states, “When an attack happens, I feel like I am going to die.” Which is the most appropriate nursing reply?
A. “I know it’s frightening, but try to remind yourself that this will only last a short time.”
B. “Death from a panic attack happens so infrequently that there is no need to worry.”
C. “Most people who experience panic attacks have feelings of impending doom.”
D. “Tell me why you think you are going to die every time you have a panic attack.”

Answer 12

ANS: A
The most appropriate nursing reply to the client’s concerns is to empathize with the client and provide encouragement that panic attacks last only a short period. Panic attacks usually last minutes but can, rarely, last hours. Symptoms of depression are also common with this disorder.

Question 13

A nursing instructor is teaching about the medications used to treat panic disorder. Which student statement indicates that learning has occurred?
A. “Clonazepam (Klonopin) is particularly effective in the treatment of panic disorder.”
B. “Clozapine (Clozaril) is used off-label in long-term treatment of panic disorder.”
C. “Doxepin (Sinequan) can be used in low doses to relieve symptoms of panic attacks.”
D. “Buspirone (BuSpar) is used for its immediate effect to lower anxiety during panic attacks.”

Answer 13

ANS: A
The student indicates learning has occurred when he or she states that clonazepam is a particularly effective treatment for panic disorder. Clonazepam is a type of benzodiazepine that can be abused and lead to physical dependence and tolerance. It can be used on an as-needed basis to reduce anxiety and its related symptoms.

Question 14

A family member is seeking advice about an elderly parent who seems to worry unnecessarily about everything. The family member states, “Should I seek psychiatric help for my mother?” Which is an appropriate nursing reply?
A. “My mother also worries unnecessarily. I think it is part of the aging process.”
B. “Anxiety is considered abnormal when it is out of proportion to the stimulus causing it and when it impairs functioning.”
C. “From what you have told me, you should get her to a psychiatrist as soon as possible.”
D. “Anxiety is a complex phenomenon and is effectively treated only with psychotropic medications.”

Answer 14

ANS: B
The most appropriate reply by the nurse is to explain to the family member that anxiety is considered abnormal when it is out of proportion and impairs functioning. Anxiety is a normal reaction to a realistic danger or threat to biological integrity or self-concept.

Question 15

A client is experiencing a severe panic attack. Which nursing intervention would meet this client’s immediate need?
A. Teach deep breathing relaxation exercises
B. Place the client in a Trendelenburg position
C. Stay with the client and offer reassurance of safety
D. Administer the ordered prn buspirone (BuSpar)

Answer 15

ANS: C
The priority nursing diagnosis for this client is altered coping R/T anxiety. The nurse should assist in implementing interventions that should improve the client’s healthy coping skills and reduce anxiety.

Question 16

A client living on the beachfront seeks help with an extreme fear of crossing bridges which interferes with daily life. A psychiatric nurse practitioner decides to try systematic desensitization. Which explanation of this therapy should the nurse convey to the client?
A. “Using your imagination, we will attempt to achieve a state of relaxation that you can replicate when faced with crossing a bridge.”
B. “Because anxiety and relaxation are mutually exclusive states, we can attempt to substitute a relaxation response for the anxiety response.”
C. “Through a series of increasingly anxiety-provoking steps, we will gradually increase your tolerance to anxiety.”
D. “In one intense session, you will be exposed to a maximum level of anxiety that you will learn to tolerate.”

Answer 16

ANS: C
The nurse should explain to the client that systematic desensitization exposes the client to a series of increasingly anxiety provoking steps that will gradually increase anxiety tolerance. Systematic desensitization was introduced by Joseph Wolpe in 1958 and is based on behavioral conditioning principles.

Question 17

A client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder is admitted to a psychiatric unit. The client has an elaborate routine for toileting activities. Which would be an appropriate initial client outcome during the first week of hospitalization?
A. The client will refrain from ritualistic behaviors during daylight hours.
B. The client will wake early enough to complete rituals prior to breakfast.
C. The client will participate in three unit activities by day 3.
D. The client will substitute a productive activity for rituals by day 1.

Answer 17

ANS: B
An appropriate initial client outcome is for the client to wake early enough to complete rituals prior to breakfast. The nurse should also provide a structured schedule of activities and later in treatment begin to gradually limit the time allowed for rituals.

Question 18

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client taking a benzodiazepine. Which client statement would indicate a need for further follow-up instructions?
A. “I will need scheduled blood work in order to monitor for toxic levels of this drug.”
B. “I won’t stop taking this medication abruptly because there could be serious complications.”
C. “I will not drink alcohol while taking this medication.”
D. “I won’t take extra doses of this drug because I can become addicted.”

Answer 18

ANS: A
The client indicates a need for additional information about taking benzodiazepines when stating the need for blood work to monitor for toxic levels. No blood work is needed when taking a short-acting benzodiazepine. The client should understand that taking extra doses of a benzodiazepine may result in addiction and that the drug should not be taken in conjunction with alcohol.

Question 19

A client diagnosed with an obsessive-compulsive disorder spends hours bathing and grooming. During a one-on-one interaction, the client discusses the rituals in detail but avoids any feelings that the rituals generate. Which defense mechanism should the nurse identify?
A. Sublimation
B. Dissociation
C. Rationalization
D. Intellectualization

Answer 19

ANS: D
The nurse should identify that the client is using the defense mechanism of intellectualization when discussing the rituals of obsessive-compulsive disorder in detail while avoiding discussion of feelings. Intellectualization is an attempt to avoid expressing emotions associated with a stressful situation by using the intellectual processes of logic, reasoning, and analysis.

Question 20

A client is newly diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder and spends 45 minutes folding clothes and rearranging them in drawers. Which nursing intervention would best address this client’s problem?
A. Distract the client with other activities whenever ritual behaviors begin.
B. Report the behavior to the psychiatrist to obtain an order for medication dosage increase.
C. Lock the room to discourage ritualistic behavior.
D. Discuss the anxiety-provoking triggers that precipitate the ritualistic behaviors.

Answer 20

ANS: D
The nurse should discuss with the client the anxiety-provoking triggers that precipitate the ritualistic behavior. If the client is going to be able to avoid the anxiety, he or she must first learn to recognize precipitating factors. Attempting to distract the client, seeking medication increase, and locking the client’s room are not appropriate interventions because they do not help the client recognize anxiety triggers.

Question 21

A nursing student questions an instructor regarding the order for fluvoxamine (Luvox) 300 mg daily for a client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which instructor reply is most accurate?
A. “High doses of tricyclic medications will be required for effective treatment of OCD.”
B. “Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) doses, in excess of what is effective for treating depression, may be required for OCD.”
C. “The dose of Luvox is low due to the side effect of daytime drowsiness and nighttime insomnia.”
D. “The dosage of Luvox is outside the therapeutic range and needs to be questioned.”

Answer 21

ANS: B
The most accurate instructor response is that SSRI doses, in excess of what is effective for treating depression, may be required in the treatment of OCD. SSRIs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of OCD. Common side effects include headache, sleep disturbances, and restlessness.

Question 22

A nurse has been caring for a client diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. What short-term, realistic, correctly written outcome should be included in this client’s plan of care?
A. The client will have no flashbacks.
B. The client will be able to feel a full range of emotions by discharge.
C. The client will not require zolpidem (Ambien) to obtain adequate sleep by discharge.
D. The client will refrain from discussing the traumatic event.

Answer 22

ANS: C
The nurse should include obtaining adequate sleep without zolpidem (Ambien) by discharge as a realistic outcome for this client. Having no flashbacks and experiencing a full range of emotions are long-term not short-term outcomes for this client. Clients are encouraged to discuss the traumatic event.

Question 23

A client is prescribed alprazolam (Xanax) for acute anxiety. What client history should cause a nurse to question this order?
A. History of alcohol dependence
B. History of personality disorder
C. History of schizophrenia
D. History of hypertension

Answer 23

ANS: A
The nurse should question a prescription of alprazolam (Xanax) for acute anxiety if the client has a history of alcohol dependence. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine used in the treatment of anxiety and has an increased risk for physiological dependence and tolerance. A client with a history of substance abuse may be more likely to abuse other addictive substances and/or combine this drug with alcohol.

Question 24

A client diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder is receiving paliperidone (Invega). Which symptoms should a nurse identify that warrant the need for this medication?
A. Flat affect and anhedonia
B. Persistent anorexia and 10 lb weight loss in 3 weeks
C. Flashbacks of killing the enemy
D. Distant and guarded relationships

Answer 24

ANS: C
The nurse should identify that a client who has flashbacks of killing the enemy may need paliperidone (Invega). Paliperidone is an antipsychotic medication that can be used to treat the psychotic symptom of flashbacks.

Question 25

Which nursing diagnosis would best describe the problems evidenced by the following client symptoms: avoidance, poor concentration, nightmares, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, detachment, emotional numbing, and flashbacks?
A. Ineffective coping
B. Post-trauma syndrome
C. Complicated grieving
D. Panic anxiety

Answer 25

ANS: B
Post-trauma syndrome is defined as a sustained maladaptive response to a traumatic, overwhelming event. This nursing diagnosis addresses the problems experienced by clients diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Question 26

How should a nurse best describe the major maladaptive client response to panic disorder?
A. Clients overuse medical care due to physical symptoms.
B. Clients use illegal drugs to ease symptoms.
C. Clients perceive having no control over life situations.
D. Clients develop compulsions to deal with anxiety.

Answer 26

ANS: C
The major maladaptive client response to panic disorder is the perception of having no control over life situations which leads to nonparticipation in decision making and doubts regarding role performance.

Question 27

A client diagnosed with generalized anxiety states, “I know the best thing for me to do now is to just forget my worries.” How should the nurse evaluate this statement?
A. The client is developing insight.
B. The client’s coping skills are improving.
C. The client has a distorted perception of problem resolution.
D. The client is meeting outcomes and moving toward discharge.

Answer 27

ANS: C
This client has a distorted perception of how to deal with the problem of anxiety. Clients should be encouraged to openly deal with anxiety and recognize the triggers that precipitate anxiety responses.

Question 28

A client is taking chlordiazepoxide (Librium) for generalized anxiety disorder symptoms. In which situation should a nurse recognize that this client is at greatest risk for drug overdose?
A. When the client has a knowledge deficit related to the effects of the drug
B. When the client combines the drug with alcohol
C. When the client takes the drug on an empty stomach
D. When the client fails to follow dietary restrictions

Answer 28

ANS: B
Both Librium and alcohol are central nervous system depressants. In combination, these drugs have an additive effect and can suppress the respiratory system leading to respiratory arrest and death.

Question 29

A college student has been diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which of the following symptoms should a campus nurse expect this client to exhibit? (Select all that apply.)
A. Fatigue
B. Anorexia
C. Hyperventilation
D. Insomnia
E. Irritability

Answer 29

ANS: A, D, E
The nurse should expect that a client diagnosed with GAD would experience fatigue, insomnia, and irritability. GAD is characterized by chronic, unrealistic, and excessive anxiety and worry.

Question 30

A nurse is discussing treatment options with a client whose life has been negatively impacted by claustrophobia. The nurse would expect which of the following behavioral therapies to be most commonly used in the treatment of phobias? (Select all that apply.)
A. Benzodiazepine therapy
B. Systematic desensitization
C. Imploding (flooding)
D. Assertiveness training
E. Aversion therapy

Answer 30

ANS: B, C
The nurse should explain to the client that systematic desensitization and imploding are the most commonly used behavioral therapies in the treatment of phobias. Systematic desensitization involves the gradual exposure of the client to anxiety-provoking stimuli. Imploding is the intervention used in which the client is exposed to extremely frightening stimuli for prolonged periods of time

Question 31

A nurse has been caring for a client diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which of the following nursing interventions would address this client’s symptoms? (Select all that apply.)
A. Encourage the client to recognize the signs of escalating anxiety.
B. Encourage the client to avoid any situation that causes stress.
C. Encourage the client to employ newly learned relaxation techniques.
D. Encourage the client to cognitively reframe thoughts about situations that generate anxiety.
E. Encourage the client to avoid caffeinated products.

Answer 31

ANS: A, C, D, E
Nursing interventions that address GAD symptoms should include encouraging the client to recognize signs of escalating anxiety, to employ relaxation techniques, to cognitively reframe thoughts about anxiety-provoking situations, and to avoid caffeinated products. Avoiding situations that cause stress is not an appropriate intervention because avoidance does not help the client overcome anxiety. Stress is a component of life and is not easily evaded.

Question 32

A client who is a veteran of the Gulf War is being assessed by a nurse for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Which of the following client symptoms would support this diagnosis? (Select all that apply.)
A. The client has experienced symptoms of the disorder for 2 weeks.
B. The client fears a physical integrity threat to self.
C. The client feels detached and estranged from others.
D. The client experiences fear and helplessness.
E. The client is lethargic and somnolent.

Answer 32

ANS: B, C, D
Clients diagnosed with PTSD can experience the following symptoms: fear of a physical integrity threat to self, detachment and estrangement from others, and intense fear and helplessness. Characteristic symptoms of PTSD include re-living the traumatic event, a sustained high level of arousal, and a general numbing of responsiveness.