A nurse is establishing a therapeutic relationship with a client with anxiety disorder. What is the primary goal of this intervention?

"Tell me about your favorite hobbies."

Choice A rationale:

Asking about hobbies is a non-threatening way to initiate the assessment while building rapport. This choice encourages the client to discuss positive aspects of their life, potentially lowering anxiety levels.

Choice B rationale:

Suggesting avoidance might not be suitable for assessment. While avoidance might reduce immediate anxiety, it's not a healthy long-term coping mechanism. This statement overlooks the opportunity to explore healthier strategies.

Choice C rationale:

This open-ended question might be too probing for an initial assessment. It could make the client defensive or overwhelmed and might not yield comprehensive information about their anxiety and coping mechanisms.

Choice D rationale:

This statement invalidates the client's feelings and suggests that anxiety is insignificant. It fails to acknowledge the client's experiences and discourages open expression.

Choice A rationale:

Deep breathing is an appropriate relaxation technique for a client with anxiety disorder. It involves taking slow, deep breaths to activate the body's relaxation response. Deep breathing helps reduce the sympathetic nervous system's activity, leading to a calmer state. This technique is effective in lowering heart rate and blood pressure.

Choice D rationale:

Guided imagery is another suitable relaxation technique. It involves using mental visualization to create calming and peaceful images in the mind. Guided imagery can divert the client's attention away from stressors, promoting relaxation. This technique has been shown to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of well-being.

Choice B rationale:

Vigorous exercise is not typically recommended as a relaxation technique for individuals with anxiety disorder. While regular exercise has many benefits for mental health, intense exercise might actually increase physiological arousal and exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

Choice C rationale:

Hyperventilation is an inappropriate technique for relaxation. It involves rapid and shallow breathing, which can lead to an imbalance in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, resulting in dizziness, tingling sensations, and increased anxiety. This technique is counterproductive and can trigger panic attacks.

Choice E rationale:

Critical thinking exercises are not commonly used as relaxation techniques. These exercises engage the mind in problem-solving activities, which might not be suitable for promoting immediate relaxation. Instead, the focus should be on techniques that calm the body and mind.