A charge nurse is instructing a newly licensed nurse about mental health disorders. Which of the following statements by the nurse indicates an understanding of mental health disorders?

A. Generalized anxiety disorder and a nursing diagnosis of fear: Generalized anxiety disorder typically involves chronic, excessive worrying and anxiety that is not limited to specific situations or triggers. The sudden and intense symptoms described in the scenario, such as lightheadedness, tremulousness, diaphoresis, tachycardia, and dyspnea, are more indicative of a panic attack rather than generalized anxiety. The nursing diagnosis of fear may not fully capture the acute and intense nature of panic symptoms.

B. Panic disorder and a nursing diagnosis of panic anxiety: This is the correct answer. Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, which align with the sudden onset of symptoms described in the scenario. The nursing diagnosis of panic anxiety is appropriate as it addresses the acute distress associated with panic attacks.

C. Pain disorder and a nursing diagnosis of altered role performance: There is no indication of pain being the primary issue in this scenario. The symptoms are more indicative of a panic attack rather than a pain disorder. Additionally, altered role performance is not a priority nursing diagnosis when addressing the acute symptoms of a panic attack.

D. Altered sensory perception and a nursing diagnosis of panic disorder: Altered sensory perception is not the primary issue in this scenario, and it does not specifically address the sudden and intense symptoms described. The focus should be on the panic symptoms and the associated distress, leading to the nursing diagnosis of panic anxiety.

A. Disturbed sensory perception: While the client is experiencing disturbed sensory perception (auditory hallucinations), the priority is to address the potential harm to others, which is better captured by the "Risk for violence: directed toward others" diagnosis.

B. Risk for violence: directed toward others: This diagnosis is the priority in this situation because the client is expressing homicidal thoughts directed toward a specific target (the president). Ensuring the safety of the client and others is the primary concern.

C. Altered thought processes: Altered thought processes may be evident in psychotic disorders, but the immediate concern is the risk of violence. Addressing altered thought processes would be part of the overall care plan, but it may not be the immediate priority in this case.

D. Risk for injury: While the client may be at risk for injury, the specific concern mentioned by the client is the potential harm to others (the president). Therefore, the "Risk for violence: directed toward others" diagnosis takes precedence.