A client with agoraphobia states, "I am afraid of being in places where I can't escape easily." Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?
"It's important to confront your fears and gradually expose yourself to the situations that make you anxious.".
"It's best to avoid situations that trigger your anxiety to prevent panic attacks.".
"You should try to distract yourself when you start feeling anxious in those situations.".
"You should stay home and avoid going out to prevent any potential panic attacks.".
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
This response is appropriate as it aligns with the principles of exposure therapy. Exposure therapy involves gradually confronting feared situations to reduce anxiety over time. By encouraging the client to face their fears and expose themselves to anxiety-provoking situations in a controlled manner, they can learn that their anxiety decreases over time.
Choice B rationale:
This response is counterproductive and not recommended. Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety can actually reinforce the fear and make it more difficult for the client to cope with their agoraphobia. Avoidance prevents the client from learning that their fear is manageable.
Choice C rationale:
While distraction techniques can be helpful for managing anxiety in the moment, they do not address the underlying fear associated with agoraphobia. Encouraging distraction as the primary coping strategy might hinder the client's progress in overcoming their fear.
Choice D rationale:
This response promotes avoidance, which is not a recommended approach in treating anxiety disorders like agoraphobia. Avoiding situations altogether can worsen the fear and limit the client's ability to engage in normal activities.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","A"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Establishing a therapeutic relationship with the client based on trust, empathy, respect, and acceptance (Choice A) is a crucial nursing intervention for phobias. This helps create a foundation of trust and safety, allowing the client to feel understood and supported in addressing their phobic responses.
Choice B rationale:
Providing a safe and supportive environment for the client (Choice B) is another essential intervention. This environment enables the client to feel secure and encourages them to explore their fears gradually, knowing they are in a protected setting.
Choice C rationale:
Encouraging the client to avoid situations that trigger phobic responses (Choice C) is not a recommended intervention. Avoidance can reinforce the phobia and hinder progress in overcoming it. Encouraging gradual exposure to feared situations is a more effective strategy.
Choice D rationale:
Assisting the client to identify and challenge irrational thoughts and beliefs (Choice D) is an evidence-based intervention. This approach, known as cognitive-behavioral therapy, helps clients recognize and modify distorted thought patterns that contribute to their phobias.
Choice E rationale:
Implementing exposure therapy with the client (Choice E) is a valid intervention for phobias. Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing the client to the feared object or situation in a controlled manner, helping them desensitize and reduce their fear response.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Psychoeducation involves providing information about psychological conditions, symptoms, and treatment options to clients. However, it is not specifically aimed at helping clients identify and challenge irrational thoughts and beliefs associated with their phobias.
Choice B rationale:
Cognitive therapy aims to help clients identify and challenge irrational thoughts and beliefs associated with their phobias. By addressing cognitive distortions and negative thought patterns, individuals can learn to reframe their thinking, reduce anxiety, and manage their phobias more effectively.
Choice C rationale:
Behavioral therapy focuses on modifying behavior through techniques such as exposure therapy and desensitization. While behavioral therapy is often used in phobia treatment, it doesn't primarily target irrational thoughts and beliefs as cognitive therapy does.
Choice D rationale:
Relaxation therapy teaches individuals relaxation techniques to manage stress and anxiety. While relaxation techniques can be beneficial as a complementary approach, they are not specifically focused on addressing irrational thoughts associated with phobias.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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