A nurse observes a client with GAD exhibiting restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. The client says, "I can't sit still, and my mind is racing." How should the nurse respond?

"You seem to be experiencing a lot of physical symptoms.".

"It's important to stay busy to keep your mind off things.".

"You're probably just tired; try to get some rest.".

"I understand you're having trouble focusing.".

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice D rationale:

Responding with "I understand you're having trouble focusing" is how the nurse should appropriately respond. This response acknowledges the client's experience and shows understanding of their symptoms. It encourages further communication and allows the client to express their feelings. It's important to address the client's restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and racing thoughts rather than attributing them to tiredness (Choice C) or suggesting keeping busy (Choice B), which may not address the underlying anxiety.

Choice A rationale:

Responding with "You seem to be experiencing a lot of physical symptoms" might overlook the underlying anxiety and focus solely on the physical aspects, missing the opportunity to explore the client's emotional state and provide appropriate support.

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 B

Explanation

"Personal history of trauma and abuse."

Choice A rationale:

While family history of physical illnesses can contribute to a client's overall health profile, it is not a priority when assessing a client specifically for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Choice B rationale:

Prioritizing obtaining information about a personal history of trauma and abuse is crucial because such experiences can significantly contribute to the development of GAD. Trauma and abuse can lead to chronic worry, hypervigilance, and increased anxiety responses.

Choice C rationale:

While the level of physical activity can impact a person's well-being, it is not a primary focus when assessing for GAD. The client's anxiety symptoms and triggers should take precedence during the assessment.

Choice D rationale:

Inquiring about the preferred type of relaxation technique is relevant but not as high a priority as understanding potential trauma and abuse history. Addressing trauma-related issues is fundamental to developing an effective treatment plan for GAD.

A. Mood swings. B. Difficulty concentrating. C. Muscle pain. D. Chest pain.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Difficulty concentrating.

Choice A rationale:

Mood swings are not the primary characteristic of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) GAD primarily involves excessive and persistent worry and anxiety, rather than mood swings.

Choice B rationale:

Difficulty concentrating is the primary characteristic of GAD. One of the core symptoms of GAD is the inability to focus or concentrate due to constant worry and anxiety. This cognitive impairment can significantly impact daily functioning.

Choice C rationale:

Muscle pain is not the primary characteristic of GAD. While muscle tension is a common symptom of GAD, it is not the main characteristic that distinguishes GAD from other disorders.

Choice D rationale:

Chest pain is not the primary characteristic of GAD. Chest pain might be associated with anxiety, but it's not the defining feature of GAD. GAD primarily involves excessive and uncontrollable worry.

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

A nurse observes a client with GAD exhibiting restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. The client says, "I can't sit still, and my mind is racing." How should the nurse respond?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) Which data should the nurse prioritize obtaining during the assessment?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is educating a client about the main symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) What is the primary characteristic of this symptom?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

(Select All That Apply): A nurse is providing interventions for a client with GAD. Which interventions are appropriate for this client? Select all that apply.

A nurse is assessing a client with suspected generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) Select all clinical manifestations commonly associated with GAD:

A nurse is educating a client about GAD. What essential information should the nurse include?

A nurse observes a client with GAD exhibiting restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. The client says, "I can't sit still, and my mind is racing." How should the nurse respond?

(Select All That Apply): A nurse is planning interventions for a client with GAD. Which interventions are appropriate for this client? Select all that apply.

A nurse is teaching a client about the potential risk factors for developing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) Which factor is NOT associated with an increased risk of GAD?

A nurse is assessing a client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) What information should the nurse prioritize obtaining during the assessment?

A client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) expresses, "I often avoid situations that might trigger my anxiety." What is the nurse's appropriate response?