A nurse is providing education to a group of clients with phobias. The nurse explains that exposure therapy involves gradual and repeated exposure to the feared object or situation in a controlled manner until the fear diminishes. Which of the following statements accurately describes exposure therapy?

Exposure therapy is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Exposure therapy aims to challenge irrational thoughts and beliefs.

Exposure therapy involves teaching clients relaxation techniques.

Exposure therapy is most effective for social phobias.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

Exposure therapy is indeed a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) It involves systematically exposing individuals to the feared object or situation in a controlled and gradual manner. The goal is to reduce their anxiety or fear response over time through repeated exposures. By confronting their fears, individuals can learn that their anxiety decreases over time, leading to behavioral changes.

Choice B rationale:

While cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) often includes challenging irrational thoughts and beliefs, exposure therapy primarily focuses on the behavioral aspect of fear reduction through systematic exposure. Cognitive restructuring, which addresses irrational beliefs, is a distinct component of CBT but not the primary emphasis of exposure therapy.

Choice C rationale:

Exposure therapy does not inherently involve teaching clients relaxation techniques. Instead, it centers on controlled exposure to the feared stimulus to weaken the fear response. Relaxation techniques might be used in some cases to help manage anxiety, but they are not a defining characteristic of exposure therapy.

Choice D rationale:

Although exposure therapy can be effective for various phobias, it is not exclusive to social phobias. It can be applied to specific phobias, agoraphobia, and other anxiety disorders as well.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Specific Phobia. This is the correct answer. The client's symptoms of marked fear and anxiety about a specific object or situation that is out of proportion to the actual danger, along with resulting distress and impairment, are characteristic of a specific phobia. Specific phobias involve intense fear and avoidance behavior triggered by specific objects or situations, like heights, animals, or certain environments.

Choice B rationale:

Social Phobia. The client's symptoms do not align with social phobia, which centers around fears of social judgment and performance situations, not specific objects or situations.

Choice C rationale:

Agoraphobia. Agoraphobia involves fear of situations where escape may be difficult or embarrassing, such as crowded places. The client's fear does not seem related to this type of avoidance.

Choice D rationale:

Panic Disorder. While panic disorder involves recurrent panic attacks, it does not necessarily involve avoidance of specific objects or situations as the primary response. The client's avoidance behavior is more indicative of a specific phobia.

A. "It's important to confront your fears and gradually expose yourself to the situations that make you anxious.". B. "It's best to avoid situations that trigger your anxiety to prevent panic attacks.". C. "You should try to distract yourself when you start feeling anxious in those situations.". D. "You should stay home and avoid going out to prevent any potential panic attacks.".

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

This response is appropriate as it aligns with the principles of exposure therapy. Exposure therapy involves gradually confronting feared situations to reduce anxiety over time. By encouraging the client to face their fears and expose themselves to anxiety-provoking situations in a controlled manner, they can learn that their anxiety decreases over time.

Choice B rationale:

This response is counterproductive and not recommended. Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety can actually reinforce the fear and make it more difficult for the client to cope with their agoraphobia. Avoidance prevents the client from learning that their fear is manageable.

Choice C rationale:

While distraction techniques can be helpful for managing anxiety in the moment, they do not address the underlying fear associated with agoraphobia. Encouraging distraction as the primary coping strategy might hinder the client's progress in overcoming their fear.

Choice D rationale:

This response promotes avoidance, which is not a recommended approach in treating anxiety disorders like agoraphobia. Avoiding situations altogether can worsen the fear and limit the client's ability to engage in normal activities.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client with agoraphobia states, "I am afraid of being in places where I can't escape easily." Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client with a phobia of flying in airplanes expresses, "I'm so scared that something bad will happen during the flight. I can't even imagine being on a plane without feeling intense fear." This statement is an example of:

Which of the following is a characteristic of a specific phobia?

A nurse is providing education to a client with social phobia. Which of the following statements accurately describes social phobia?

A nurse is assessing a client with a phobia and notes that the client actively avoids certain situations and endures them with intense fear or anxiety. The nurse recognizes that this behavior is characteristic of:

A patient with a specific phobia is avoiding situations that trigger their fear. This avoidance behavior is most likely a result of:

A nurse is providing education to a client prescribed an antidepressant for their phobia. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

A nurse is caring for a client with a specific phobia. Which statement by the nurse is accurate regarding phobias?