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 A rationale:

This statement accurately captures the key features of phobias. Phobias involve intense, irrational fear reactions to specific objects or situations that persist over time. The fear is often excessive in relation to the actual threat posed by the phobic stimulus.

Choice B rationale:

The statement "Phobias can be caused by biological factors only" (choice B) is not accurate. While biological factors like genetics and brain chemistry can contribute to the development of phobias, they are not the sole cause. Psychological and environmental factors also play significant roles.

Choice C rationale:

The statement "Phobias can be diagnosed based on physical symptoms" (choice C) is incorrect. Phobias are diagnosed based on psychological symptoms, such as intense fear, avoidance behavior, and distress. Physical symptoms may accompany the fear response but are not the primary diagnostic criteria.

Choice D rationale:

The statement "Phobias can be managed with medication alone" (choice D) is not entirely accurate. While medication can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety associated with phobias, the most effective treatments often involve psychotherapy, particularly exposure therapy, to address the underlying fear response and promote lasting change.

Choice A rationale:

This choice inaccurately describes specific phobias, not social phobia. Specific phobias are centered around specific triggers, while social phobia involves a fear of being negatively evaluated in social or performance situations.

Choice B rationale:

Social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, is indeed characterized by a fear of being judged, criticized, or embarrassed in social or performance situations. This fear often leads individuals to avoid social interactions or endure them with significant distress.

Choice C rationale:

This choice relates to agoraphobia, not social phobia. Agoraphobia involves the fear of being in situations from which escape might be difficult or embarrassing, such as crowded places or public transportation.

Choice D rationale:

This choice inaccurately characterizes specific phobias, not social phobia. Specific phobias are focused on particular triggers and are not related to a fear of a specific object, situation, or activity that poses little or no actual danger.