A nurse is assessing a client with suspected generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) Select all clinical manifestations commonly associated with GAD:

Choice C rationale:

Responding with "It sounds like you're feeling overwhelmed by your thoughts" is the nurse's appropriate response. This response reflects therapeutic communication by acknowledging the client's feelings and demonstrating empathy. It validates the client's experience and opens the door for further exploration of their worries. It also avoids downplaying the client's concerns (Choice B) or giving false reassurance (Choice D), both of which are unhelpful in this situation.

Choice A:

Fatigue,

Choice C:

Nausea,

Choice D:

Restlessness.

Choice A rationale:

Fatigue is commonly associated with GAD. The constant state of worry and the physical tension that accompanies anxiety can lead to fatigue and a feeling of being mentally and physically drained.

Choice B rationale:

Hypertension is not a commonly associated clinical manifestation of GAD. While anxiety can temporarily elevate blood pressure, it's not a defining feature of GAD.

Choice C rationale:

Nausea can be a common symptom of GAD. Anxiety and stress can lead to gastrointestinal distress, including nausea and even vomiting, in individuals with GAD.

Choice D rationale:

Restlessness is a common manifestation of GAD. Individuals with GAD often experience restlessness, an inability to sit still, and a constant feeling of being on edge.

Choice E rationale:

Hallucinations are not commonly associated with GAD. Hallucinations involve perceptual experiences that are not based in reality, and they are more characteristic of other mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, not GAD.