A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is experiencing excessive anxiety and worry in response to a variety of circumstances, and is unable to control their sense of worry. The nurse should identify that these manifestations indicate which of the following?
Agoraphobia
Panic disorder
Separation anxiety disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Agoraphobia is the fear of being in places or situations where escape might be difficult, often leading to avoidance of public spaces. It does not involve persistent worry across multiple circumstances.
Choice B reason: Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks with intense physical symptoms such as palpitations, chest pain, and fear of losing control. It is episodic rather than continuous worry.
Choice C reason: Separation anxiety disorder is more common in children and involves excessive fear or anxiety about being separated from attachment figures. It does not match the description of generalized worry across circumstances.
Choice D reason: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is the correct diagnosis. It involves excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life, persisting for months, and often accompanied by physical symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. The client’s inability to control worry across multiple circumstances fits this condition.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is the correct response because it uses a collaborative approach to problem-solving. Working with the client to create a convenient schedule increases adherence and empowers the client to take ownership of their treatment.
Choice B reason: This response is directive and lacks collaboration. It may make the client feel pressured rather than supported.
Choice C reason: Asking why the client finds it difficult may feel confrontational and does not provide practical support. It risks making the client defensive.
Choice D reason: Minimizing past difficulties does not address the client’s concern. It provides false reassurance without offering strategies to improve adherence.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: PTSD often presents with symptoms such as hopelessness, loss of interest, and persistent sadness, which overlap with depressive disorders. Clients may experience low mood, guilt, and impaired concentration similar to major depressive disorder.
Choice B reason: Anxiety disorders share many features with PTSD, including hypervigilance, restlessness, and exaggerated startle responses. Clients with PTSD often experience ongoing anxiety, panic attacks, and difficulty relaxing, making this a strong overlap.
Choice C reason: Substance use disorder is common in individuals with PTSD because they may attempt to self-medicate distressing symptoms such as intrusive memories, nightmares, or hyperarousal. This maladaptive coping mechanism often leads to comorbid addiction issues.
Choice D reason: Dissociative disorders are also linked to PTSD, as clients may detach from reality or experience depersonalization and derealization in response to trauma. Dissociation serves as a defense mechanism to escape overwhelming stress.
Choice E reason: Anorexia nervosa is not typically associated with PTSD. While trauma can influence eating behaviors, anorexia nervosa is a distinct disorder characterized by body image disturbance and restrictive eating, not a direct overlap with PTSD symptoms.
Choice F reason: Schizophrenia spectrum disorders involve psychosis, hallucinations, and delusions, which differ from PTSD symptoms. Although PTSD can include flashbacks and intrusive memories, these are trauma-related and not psychotic in nature.
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