Which of the following cardiac problems mimics anxiety with symptoms of tachycardia, chest pain, dizziness, and panic?
Cardiomegaly
Mitral valve prolapse (MVP)
Pheochromocytoma
Congestive heart failure
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Cardiomegaly is structural enlargement of the heart and typically presents with fatigue, dyspnea, or edema, not panic-like symptoms.
Choice B reason: This is correct. Mitral valve prolapse can cause palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, and panic-like symptoms due to autonomic nervous system overactivity, often mimicking anxiety.
Choice C reason: Pheochromocytoma presents with episodic hypertension, sweating, headache, and palpitations but is less common and not specifically mimicking anxiety in most presentations.
Choice D reason: Congestive heart failure is associated with dyspnea, fatigue, and fluid retention, not panic-like episodes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Specific phobia involves intense fear of a particular object or situation, but the patient’s fear is generalized to multiple everyday situations, not one isolated trigger.
Choice B reason: Adjustment disorder involves emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to a stressor but does not typically include intense avoidance of multiple situations with panic-like symptoms.
Choice C reason: PTSD involves re-experiencing trauma, avoidance, hyperarousal, and negative mood, usually linked to a traumatic event. While COVID-19 exposure may be stressful, her symptoms are primarily avoidance-based rather than trauma re-experiencing.
Choice D reason: Agoraphobia is characterized by anxiety or panic in situations where escape is difficult or help may be unavailable, such as public transportation, stores, or being outside the home. The patient’s avoidance of leaving her house and fear of “not being able to escape” aligns closely with agoraphobia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: A score of 20 on the STAI is within the lower range, indicating minimal symptoms of anxiety. This suggests that the patient experiences occasional worry but it does not significantly interfere with her functioning.
Choice B reason: Minor anxiety generally refers to slightly higher scores than 20, where anxiety is noticeable but manageable without substantial impairment. The STAI scoring system places a score of 20 below this threshold.
Choice C reason: Moderate anxiety involves more consistent symptoms, including physiological arousal and difficulty concentrating, which would correspond to a higher STAI score than 20.
Choice D reason: Severe anxiety represents intense and persistent anxiety with marked functional impairment, usually reflected in much higher STAI scores than 20.
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