What manifestations might a nurse at a walk-in mental health clinic recognize in a client experiencing severe anxiety?

Choice A Reason:

Weighing the client every 3 to 4 days is not typically a priority intervention for managing acute mania. While it's important to monitor for significant weight changes, the focus should be on more immediate concerns related to the manic state.

Choice B Reason:

Discouraging naps during the day can help regulate the client's sleep patterns. Sleep disturbances are common in mania, and establishing a routine that promotes adequate nighttime sleep is beneficial. It helps in reducing the hyperarousal state and stabilizing mood.

Choice C Reason:

Monitoring vital signs throughout the day is essential, as mania can lead to physical overactivity and increased metabolic demands. This can affect cardiovascular and thermoregulatory systems, necessitating close observation.

Choice D Reason:

Offering nutritional foods every 2 hours can help meet the increased metabolic demands during a manic episode. Clients may neglect nutrition due to hyperactivity or distractibility, so regular, balanced meals or snacks are important.

Choice E Reason:

Maintaining an environment with low stimuli is crucial in managing mania. Overstimulation can exacerbate symptoms such as restlessness, agitation, and distractibility. A calm environment helps in reducing sensory overload and can aid in the stabilization of the client's mood.

Choice A reason:

Attention-seeking conduct is not typically a manifestation of severe anxiety. While individuals may exhibit behaviors that draw attention in an attempt to alleviate their distress, it is not a direct symptom of anxiety itself. Attention-seeking may be associated with other psychological conditions or may be a response to feeling neglected or ignored.

Choice B reason:

Aggressive behavior can sometimes be seen in individuals with severe anxiety, particularly if they feel trapped or overwhelmed. However, it is not as common as other manifestations. Aggression may also stem from a variety of other factors, including personality disorders, mood disorders, or situational stressors, rather than anxiety alone.

Choice C reason:

Mild fidgeting is a common manifestation of severe anxiety. Anxiety can cause a surplus of energy and nervousness that manifests physically as fidgeting, such as tapping feet, playing with hands, or shifting positions frequently. This physical manifestation is a direct result of the body's fight-or-flight response, which prepares the individual to either confront or flee from perceived threats.

Choice D reason:

Mild difficulty problem-solving can occur in individuals with severe anxiety due to the overwhelming nature of their thoughts and feelings. Anxiety can disrupt cognitive processes, making it challenging to concentrate and think clearly. However, this is a broader cognitive effect of anxiety rather than a specific behavioral manifestation.