A client with a phobia is experiencing physiological symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, and shortness of breath. These symptoms are most likely due to:

Choice C rationale:

Collaborating with the client to set realistic and achievable goals for overcoming phobias (Choice C) is an example of a nursing intervention for phobias. This empowers the client to actively participate in their treatment, fostering a sense of control and motivation to confront their fears.

Choice A rationale:

Providing a safe and supportive environment for the client (Choice A) is important, but it is a more general intervention that doesn't specifically address the process of overcoming phobias.

Choice B rationale:

Encouraging the client to avoid situations that trigger phobic responses (Choice B) is counterproductive, as mentioned earlier. It reinforces avoidance behaviors rather than helping the client confront their fears.

Choice D rationale:

Referring the client to other health care professionals as needed (Choice D) is a potential step in the treatment process, but it doesn't exemplify a direct nursing intervention for phobias. It's more about coordinating care if specialized help is required.

Choice A rationale:

The statement "This medication will help regulate my mood and anxiety" is accurate. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed for mood and anxiety disorders, including phobias. They work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain to improve mood and reduce anxiety.

Choice B rationale:

The statement "I should expect to see immediate results after taking this medication" is incorrect. This suggests a misunderstanding about the timeline for antidepressant effectiveness. Antidepressants typically take several weeks to show noticeable effects. It's important to educate the client that gradual improvement over time is expected.

Choice C rationale:

The statement "I may experience side effects such as nausea and drowsiness" is accurate. Many antidepressants can indeed cause side effects like nausea, drowsiness, and other gastrointestinal symptoms, especially when starting the medication. Educating the client about potential side effects promotes informed decision-making.

Choice D rationale:

The statement "It's important to take this medication consistently as prescribed" is accurate. Consistent adherence to the prescribed medication regimen is crucial for the effectiveness of antidepressants. Missing doses or stopping the medication abruptly can lead to discontinuation symptoms and a potential relapse of symptoms.