A nurse is assessing a client with panic disorder. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse expect to find during a panic attack? Select all that apply.
Palpitations.
Numbness and tingling.
Increased appetite.
Fear of losing control.
Muscle weakness.
Correct Answer : A,B,D,E
Choice A rationale:
Palpitations, or a racing heart, are a common symptom of panic attacks. The body's "fight or flight" response during a panic attack can lead to rapid heart rate and sensations of palpitations.
Choice B rationale:
Numbness and tingling sensations, often referred to as paresthesias, can occur during a panic attack. These sensations are a result of the body's physiological response to stress, leading to altered sensory perceptions.
Choice D rationale:
Fear of losing control is a characteristic symptom of panic attacks. Individuals with panic disorder often describe feeling as though they are losing control over their thoughts, emotions, or even their physical actions during an attack.
Choice E rationale:
Muscle weakness can be experienced during a panic attack due to the release of stress hormones and the physiological changes that accompany the fight-or-flight response. This weakness can affect various muscle groups.
Choice C rationale:
Increased appetite is not typically associated with panic attacks. Panic attacks are more commonly associated with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or stomach discomfort rather than an increased appetite.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Monitoring vital signs, weight, height, and BMI (choice A) is relevant for a general health assessment, but it is not specific to evaluating a client with panic disorder.
Choice B rationale:
Assessing the client's support system, self-esteem, and coping strategies (choice B) is important for understanding the client's psychosocial well-being, but it doesn't directly provide information about their panic disorder and its management.
Choice C rationale:
Collecting the client's medical history, medication use, and family history (choice C) is crucial for assessing the context of the panic disorder. Medical history helps identify any contributing factors, medication use informs about the current treatment, and family history might reveal a genetic predisposition or relevant psychosocial factors.
Choice D rationale:
Requesting laboratory tests and diagnostic tools (choice D) can be useful in ruling out medical conditions that may mimic panic disorder symptoms, but they are not the primary focus of a panic disorder assessment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Family history of panic disorder is a recognized risk factor, suggesting a genetic predisposition. Anxiety disorders often have a hereditary component.
Choice B rationale:
High blood pressure might not directly lead to panic disorder. However, it could contribute to the overall stress burden on the individual.
Choice C rationale:
Recent weight loss isn't typically associated with an increased risk of panic disorder. Other factors are more relevant to its development.
Choice D rationale:
Allergies aren't linked to an increased risk of panic disorder. This choice lacks a plausible biological or psychological connection.
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