A nurse is providing interventions for a client with panic disorder. Which interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care? (Select all that apply)

Choice A rationale:

Encourage regular exercise and a healthy diet. Regular exercise and a healthy diet contribute to overall well-being and can have a positive impact on managing anxiety and panic disorder. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters, and a balanced diet supports physical and mental health.

Choice B rationale:

Teach deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation techniques. Deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation are evidence-based relaxation techniques that can help manage anxiety and panic symptoms. They promote relaxation and help clients cope with the physical sensations of panic.

Choice C rationale:

Assist with gradually confronting feared situations or places. This approach, known as exposure therapy, is a common component of cognitive-behavioral therapy for panic disorder. Gradual exposure to feared situations or places can help desensitize the client to triggers and reduce the intensity of panic reactions.

Choice D rationale:

Monitor for signs of serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a potentially serious condition that can result from interactions between certain medications that affect serotonin levels. Monitoring for signs such as agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure is crucial when using medications that impact serotonin.

Choice E rationale:

Educate on the potential side effects of benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are sometimes prescribed for short-term relief of acute anxiety or panic symptoms, but they can be habit-forming and have potential side effects like sedation, dizziness, and cognitive impairment. Educating the client about these potential effects is important for informed decision-making.

Choice A rationale:

Substance abuse can be a significant complication of panic disorder. Individuals might turn to drugs or alcohol in attempts to self-medicate or alleviate symptoms.

Choice B rationale:

Hypertension isn't a primary complication of panic disorder. Panic attacks can lead to transient increases in blood pressure, but chronic hypertension isn't a well-documented outcome.

Choice C rationale:

Diabetes and panic disorder aren't directly linked. However, chronic stress and anxiety could potentially influence blood sugar levels in those predisposed to diabetes.

Choice D rationale:

Osteoporosis isn't a known complication of panic disorder. There's no physiological connection between panic attacks and bone health.