A nurse working in an outpatient mental health facility is caring for a client who has anxiety and was discharged from an inpatient mental health facility one week ago.

Exhibits

A nurse in an outpatient mental health facility is assessing a client who has anxiety. Click to highlight the findings in the Nurses’ Notes that indicate an improvement in the client’s condition. To deselect, click on the finding again.

The client appears to be well-groomed.

The client’s current weight is 54 kg (119 lb.).

The client states they are sleeping 5 to 6 hours per night, but having an occasional nightmare.

The client verbalizes a decreased appetite and gastrointestinal discomfort.

The client states, “I feel anxious about leaving my house. I feel like everyone is staring at me and judging me.”

The client verbalizes that bullying experienced during high school has led to anxiety.

The client engages in thought-stopping behavioral therapy and cognitive restructuring.

The client reports taking escitalopram 20 mg daily, 2 hours after breakfast.

Being well-groomed can be an indicator of improved mental health, as it suggests the client is taking care of their personal hygiene and appearance, which can be neglected during severe anxiety episodes.

An increase in the amount of sleep and a decrease in the frequency of nightmares can be seen as an improvement in the client’s condition, as sleep disturbances are common in anxiety disorders.

Engagement in thought-stopping behavioral therapy and cognitive restructuring indicates that the client is actively participating in therapeutic activities designed to manage anxiety, which is a positive sign of improvement.

Consistent medication adherence, as reported by the client taking escitalopram 20 mg daily, is crucial for managing anxiety symptoms and indicates the client’s commitment to following the treatment plan.

The client’s weight remaining stable could be neutral, as it does not indicate a significant change. Verbalizing decreased appetite and gastrointestinal discomfort, feeling anxious about leaving the house, and stating that past bullying has led to anxiety are all signs that the client is still experiencing symptoms of anxiety. Therefore, these choices do not reflect an improvement in the client’s condition.