A mental health nurse is teaching a female client who has an anxiety disorder about alprazolam.


Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A rationale:

This response is dismissive of the client's concerns and does not acknowledge their feelings. It also implies that the client is not knowledgeable about their own condition. This could make the client feel defensive and less likely to share their concerns in the future.

It focuses on the medical facts of the diagnosis rather than addressing the client's emotional state. It may come across as patronizing or judgmental, further alienating the client.

Choice B rationale:

This response demonstrates active listening and empathy. It acknowledges the client's feelings and validates their concerns. This can help to build trust and rapport with the client.

It encourages the client to express their fears and worries, which can be therapeutic in itself.

It opens the door for further discussion about the client's concerns and provides an opportunity for the nurse to offer support and education.

Choice C rationale:

This response is reassuring, but it does not address the client's underlying concerns. It may also come across as dismissive or patronizing.

It relies solely on the medical chart to make a judgment about the client's concerns, without taking into account the client's own perspective.

It does not provide an opportunity for the client to express their fears and worries.

Choice D rationale:

This response is a deflection and does not provide the client with the support they need in the moment. It may also make the client feel like their concerns are not being taken seriously.

It shifts the responsibility for addressing the client's concerns to the provider, which may not be helpful if the client is already feeling anxious or uncertain.

Choice A rationale:

Obsession over a fictitious defect in physical appearance is characteristic of body dysmorphic disorder, not generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Individuals with body dysmorphic disorder become preoccupied with an imagined or slight defect in their appearance, often to the point of significant distress and impairment in functioning.

They may engage in excessive grooming behaviors, repeatedly check their appearance in mirrors, or avoid social situations due to their appearance concerns.

While individuals with GAD may also experience concerns about their physical appearance, these concerns are typically not as severe or pervasive as those seen in body dysmorphic disorder.

Choice B rationale:

Constant worry about the undiagnosed presence of an illness is a hallmark feature of GAD.

Individuals with GAD often experience excessive worry about a variety of things, including health, finances, relationships, and work.

This worry is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and muscle tension.

The worry is typically difficult to control and can significantly interfere with daily life.

Choice C rationale:

Sudden unexplained loss of vision without a physical medical explanation is not a common symptom of GAD. It may be indicative of a more serious medical condition, such as a stroke or a neurological disorder.

It is important to rule out any potential medical causes before attributing a symptom like this to GAD.

Choice D rationale:

Prior physical health followed by the need for two surgeries within the last three months may be a stressful life event that could contribute to the development of GAD.

However, it is not a specific symptom of GAD.

Many people experience stressful life events without developing GAD.

The presence of other symptoms, such as excessive worry and physical symptoms, is necessary for a diagnosis of GAD.