A nurse is assessing a client who exhibits marked fear and anxiety about a specific object or situation that is out of proportion to the actual danger. The nurse observes that the fear or anxiety causes clinically significant distress and impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning. Based on this information, the nurse suspects that the client is experiencing:

Choice B rationale:

The client's intense fear of embarrassing themselves in front of others and the specific fear related to giving a presentation are indicative of social phobia (social anxiety disorder) Social phobia involves an excessive fear of social situations where the individual fears negative evaluation or judgment by others, leading to avoidance of such situations.

Choice A rationale:

While the client's fear is related to public speaking, the emphasis is on the fear of embarrassment and negative evaluation rather than a fear of a specific object or situation, which aligns more with social phobia.

Choice C rationale:

Agoraphobia does not align with the client's fear of public speaking. Agoraphobia involves the fear of situations where escape might be difficult or help might not be available if a panic attack occurs, often leading to avoidance of various places or situations.

Choice D rationale:

Panic disorder involves recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, which are not explicitly mentioned in the client's statement. The focus of the client's fear is on the social aspect of giving a presentation rather than on panic attacks.

Choice A rationale:

Antipsychotics are not commonly prescribed to manage anxiety and fear associated with phobias. Antipsychotics are primarily used to treat psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, and are not the first-line treatment for anxiety-related disorders.

Choice B rationale:

Antihistamines are not commonly prescribed for managing anxiety and fear associated with phobias. While some sedating antihistamines might have a calming effect, they are not the primary choice for treating anxiety. Antihistamines are more commonly used for allergies and sleep disturbances.

Choice C rationale:

Anticonvulsants are not typically prescribed for managing anxiety and fear associated with phobias. Anticonvulsants are used to treat conditions such as epilepsy and mood disorders like bipolar disorder, but they are not the first-line treatment for specific phobias.

Choice D rationale:

Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to manage anxiety and fear associated with phobias. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly used antidepressants that can effectively reduce the symptoms of anxiety and phobias by influencing neurotransmitter levels in the brain. These medications help regulate mood and reduce excessive anxiety associated with phobias.