A nurse is educating the community about anxiety disorders. Which of the following should be included as predisposing factors for the development of anxiety disorders? (Select all that apply.)
Regular exercise
Family history of anxiety disorders
Regular meditation practice
Being a perfectionist
Excessive caffeine consumption
Chronic physical illness
Correct Answer : B,D,E
Choice A reason:
Regular exercise is generally not considered a predisposing factor for the development of anxiety disorders. In fact, regular physical activity is often recommended as a part of the treatment plan for anxiety because it can help reduce symptoms. Exercise can improve mental health by reducing levels of the body's stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. It also stimulates the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that are the body's natural painkillers and mood elevators.
Choice B reason:
A family history of anxiety disorders can be a predisposing factor. Anxiety disorders can run in families, suggesting that a combination of genes and environmental stresses can produce the disorders. If a close family member has an anxiety disorder, it may increase the likelihood that an individual will develop one as well.
Choice C reason:
Regular meditation practice is typically not a predisposing factor for anxiety disorders; rather, it is often used as a coping mechanism to manage anxiety. Meditation can help reduce stress levels and improve emotional health, which may decrease the risk of developing an anxiety disorder.
Choice D reason:
Being a perfectionist can sometimes be a predisposing factor for anxiety disorders. Perfectionism is often associated with fear of failure, fear of making mistakes, and a tendency to experience high levels of stress and pressure, which can contribute to the development of anxiety disorders.
Choice E reason:
Excessive caffeine consumption can be a predisposing factor for anxiety disorders. Caffeine is a stimulant that can mimic the symptoms of anxiety, such as increased heart rate and nervousness. People who consume large amounts of caffeine may have an increased risk of developing anxiety disorders.
Choice F reason:
Chronic physical illness can be a predisposing factor for anxiety disorders. Living with a chronic illness can cause significant stress and may lead to the development of anxiety disorders. The constant worry about health, treatments, and the future can be overwhelming and may trigger or worsen anxiety symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Isolate the client for a period of time.
Isolation can lead to increased anxiety and may not be beneficial for a client with OCD. It does not address the underlying issue of the compulsive behaviors and may even exacerbate them.
Choice B: Plan the client's schedule to allow time for rituals.
This is generally the most effective approach. By allowing time for rituals, the nurse acknowledges the client's need for these behaviors and reduces anxiety. Over time, the goal would be to gradually reduce the time spent on these rituals as the client develops more effective coping strategies.
Choice C: Set strict limits on the behaviors so that the client can conform to the unit rules and schedules.
While it's important to have a structured environment, setting strict limits on compulsive behaviors can increase anxiety and resistance. It's more beneficial to work with the client to gradually decrease these behaviors rather than attempting to stop them abruptly.
Choice D: Confront the client about the senseless nature of the repetitive behaviors.
Confrontation is not typically helpful for clients with OCD. These clients are usually well aware that their behaviors are irrational, but they feel compelled to perform them anyway. Confrontation can lead to increased anxiety and defensiveness.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Decreasing the dose of Xanax (alprazolam) is often necessary when a client shows signs of dependency or when there are concerns about potential side effects, such as uncontrolled hypertension. Xanax is a fast-acting benzodiazepine, which can be highly addictive, especially when taken in doses of 4 mg/day for longer than 12 weeks. It is essential to monitor the client's blood pressure and adjust the medication accordingly to avoid exacerbating hypertension.
Choice B reason:
Increasing the dose may temporarily control symptoms of anxiety, but it also increases the risk of dependency and other side effects. Given the client's uncontrolled hypertension, increasing the dose could lead to further complications.
Choice C reason:
This statement is incorrect. Xanax does cause dependency, and it is one of the most addictive benzodiazepine medications on the market today. Dependency can develop quickly, even in users who follow a prescribed dosing schedule.
Choice D reason:
While Ativan (Lorazepam) is also used to treat anxiety, adding it to the client's medication regimen without careful consideration could increase the risk of dependency and adverse effects. Both Xanax and Ativan are benzodiazepines, and their combined use should be monitored closely by a healthcare professional.
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