A nurse is assessing a patient with a specific phobia. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates a specific phobia?

Choice A rationale:

The statement "This medication will help regulate my mood and anxiety" is accurate. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed for mood and anxiety disorders, including phobias. They work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain to improve mood and reduce anxiety.

Choice B rationale:

The statement "I should expect to see immediate results after taking this medication" is incorrect. This suggests a misunderstanding about the timeline for antidepressant effectiveness. Antidepressants typically take several weeks to show noticeable effects. It's important to educate the client that gradual improvement over time is expected.

Choice C rationale:

The statement "I may experience side effects such as nausea and drowsiness" is accurate. Many antidepressants can indeed cause side effects like nausea, drowsiness, and other gastrointestinal symptoms, especially when starting the medication. Educating the client about potential side effects promotes informed decision-making.

Choice D rationale:

The statement "It's important to take this medication consistently as prescribed" is accurate. Consistent adherence to the prescribed medication regimen is crucial for the effectiveness of antidepressants. Missing doses or stopping the medication abruptly can lead to discontinuation symptoms and a potential relapse of symptoms.

Choice A rationale:

Psychoeducation (Choice A) involves providing the client with information about their condition, treatment options, and coping strategies. It can help the client understand their phobia better and empower them to take an active role in managing their fear.

Choice B rationale:

Cognitive therapy (Choice B) focuses on identifying and challenging irrational thoughts and beliefs related to the phobia. By changing thought patterns, clients can learn to respond to their phobic triggers in a more rational and less anxiety-provoking manner.

Choice C rationale:

Behavioral therapy (Choice C), including exposure therapy, is a cornerstone of phobia treatment. It involves gradually exposing the client to the feared stimulus in a controlled manner, helping them learn that their anxiety decreases over time.

Choice D rationale:

Relaxation therapy (Choice D) teaches clients relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation. These techniques can help reduce overall anxiety levels and provide a sense of control in anxiety-provoking situations.

Choice E rationale:

All of the above (Choice E) is the correct answer because each of the listed non-pharmacological therapies (psychoeducation, cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, relaxation therapy) plays a valuable role in helping clients cope with their phobias. They can be used in combination to provide comprehensive support for the client's needs.