Anxiety-NCLEX 3000

While administering medications to a group of clients admitted with anxiety, a nurse hears someone call for help. The nurse should respond by:

"4. locking the medication cart and responding to the call for help.

During a shift report, the nurse learns that she will be providing care for a client who's vulnerable to panic attacks. Treatment for panic attacks includes behavioral therapy, supportive psychotherapy, and medication such as

2. antianxiety drugs.

A client enters the crisis unit complaining of increased stress from her studies as a medical student. She states that she has been increasingly anxious for the past month. Her physician prescribes alprazolam (Xanax), 25 mg by mouth three times per day, along with professional counseling. Before administering alprazolam, the nurse reviews the client's medication history. Which drug can produce additive effects when given concomitantly with alprazolam?

3. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

A client who recently developed paralysis of the arms is diagnosed with conversion disorder after tests fail to uncover a physical cause for the paralysis. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Exercising the client's arms regularly

A client comes to the emergency department while experiencing a panic attack. The nurse should respond to a client having a panic attack by:

staying with the client until the attack subsides

A client, age 40, is admitted for a surgical biopsy of a suspicious lump in her left breast. When the nurse comes to take her to surgery, she is tearfully finishing a letter to her two children. She tells the nurse, "I want to leave this for my children in case anything goes wrong today." Which response by the nurse would be most therapeutic?

"In case anything goes wrong? What are your thoughts and feelings right now?"

During the client-teaching session, which instruction should the nurse give to a client receiving alprazolam (Xanax)?

"Inform the physician if you become pregnant or intend to do so."

A nurse on the psychiatric unit realizes that she typically fails to administer medications according to schedule. What's the best way for the nurse to improve her medication administration practice?

"2. Evaluate her current practice and devise an improvement plan.

The nurse is formulating a short-term goal for a client suffering from a severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). An appropriately stated short-term goal is that after 1 week, the client will:

"2. participate in a daily exercise group.

Initial interventions for the client with acute anxiety include:

2. encouraging the client to verbalize feelings and concerns.

A client is admitted to the acute psychiatric care unit after 2 weeks of increasingly erratic behavior. The client has been sleeping poorly, has lost 8 lb (3.6 kg), is poorly groomed, exhibits hyperactivity, and loudly denies the need for hospitalization. Which nursing intervention takes priority for this client?

Administering a sedative as prescribed

A client with a history of drug and alcohol abuse is concerned that the hospital will divulge her history to her employer without her knowledge. What response by the nurse would be appropriate?

1. "Your personal health information can't be disclosed to your employer without your permission."

While driving home from work, a nurse realizes that she failed to communicate to the oncoming nurse that a client asked for more information about advance directives. Which action would be appropriate for the nurse to take?

4. Phone the nurse caring for the client and inform her of the client's request.

A client is admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit for treatment of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is associated with:

"repetitive thoughts and recurring, irresistible impulses.

Lorazepam (Ativan) is often given along with a neuroleptic agent, such as haloperidol (Haldol). What is the purpose of administering the drugs together?

1. To reduce anxiety and potentiate the sedative action of the neuroleptic

A client who has been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease (STD) asks that this information not be shared with her family members. Which of the following responses from the nurse would be appropriate?

" ""Your health information is confidential, and I can't talk to anyone about it without your permission.""

Before eating a meal, a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) must wash his hands for 18 minutes, comb his hair 444 strokes, and switch the bathroom light on and off 44 times. What is the most appropriate goal of care for this client?

"Systematically decrease the number of repetitions of rituals and the amount of time spent performing them.

A client with agoraphobia has been symptom-free for 4 months. Classic signs and symptoms of phobias include:

2. severe anxiety and fear.

(SELECT ALL THAT APPLY) After being examined by the forensic nurse in the emergency department, a rape victim is prepared for discharge. Due to the nature of the attack, this client is at risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Which symptoms are associated with PTSD?

" 1. Recurrent, intrusive recollections or nightmares 3. Sleep disturbances 6. Difficulty concentrating "

The nurse in a psychiatric inpatient unit is caring for a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder. As part of the client's treatment, the psychiatrist orders lorazepam (Ativan), 1 mg by mouth three times per day. During lorazepam therapy, the nurse should remind the client to:

"1. avoid caffeine.

A nurse notices that a client who came to the clinic for treatment of anxiety disorder has a strong body odor. What can the nurse do or say to help this client?

"2. Ask the client basic hygiene questions to determine how frequently he bathes.

The nurse is caring for a client with panic disorder who has difficulty sleeping. Which nursing intervention would best help the client achieve healthy long-term sleeping habits?

"2. Encouraging the use of relaxation exercises

A client arrives on the psychiatric unit exhibiting extreme excitement, disorientation, incoherent speech, agitation, frantic and aimless physical activity, and grandiose delusion. Which nursing diagnosis takes highest priority for the client at this time?

"3. Risk for injury

During alprazolam (Xanax) therapy, the nurse should be alert for which dose-related adverse reaction?

1. Ataxia

Because antianxiety agents such as lorazepam (Ativan) can potentiate the effects of other drugs, the nurse should incorporate which instruction in her teaching plan?

1. Avoid mixing antianxiety agents with alcohol or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants

(SELECT AL THAT APPLY) A 54-year-old client diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder is admitted to the facility. Which therapeutic modalities are typically used to treat this disorder?

1. Biofeedback 2. Buspirone 3. Relaxtion technique

The nurse refers a client with severe anxiety to a psychiatrist for medication evaluation. The physician is most likely to prescribe which psychotropic drug regimen for this client?

1. Buspirone (BuSpar), 5 mg orally three times per day "

A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder may use reaction formation as a defense mechanism to cope with anxiety and stress. What typically occurs in reaction formation?

1. The client assumes an attitude that is the opposite of an impulse that the client harbors.

While in the facility, a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder saves all used medicine cups and paper cups and arranges them in elaborate sculptures in the room. At home, the client saves mail and magazines and makes elaborate paper sculptures from them. Which outcome would indicate successful treatment for this client?

1. The client throws away all disposable cups

A client is undergoing treatment for an anxiety disorder. Such a disorder is considered chronic and generalized when excessive anxiety and worry about two or more life circumstances exist for at least:

3. 6 months

(SELECT ALL THAT APPLY) A registered nurse caring for a client with generalized anxiety disorder identifies a nursing diagnosis of Anxiety. The short-term goal identified is: The client will identify his physical, emotional, and behavioral responses to anxiety. Which nursing interventions will help the client achieve this goal?

4. Observe the client for overt signs of anxiety. 5. Help the client connect anxiety with uncomfortable physical, emotional, or behavioral responses. 6. Introduce the client to new strategies for coping with anxiety, such as relaxation techniques and exercise.

The nurse discovers that a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is attempting to resist the compulsion. Based on this finding, the nurse should look for signs of:

4. increased anxiety.

A 49-year-old painter who recently fractured his tibia worries about his finances because he can't work. To treat his anxiety, his physician prescribes buspirone (BuSpar), 5 mg by mouth three times per day. During buspirone therapy, the client should avoid which of the following drugs?

Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors

A client with borderline personality disorder tells the nurse, "You're the only nurse who really understands me. The others are mean." The client then asks the nurse for an extra dose of antianxiety medication because of increased anxiety. How should the nurse respond?

2. ""I'll have to discuss your request with the team. Can we talk about how you're feeling right now?""

(SELECT ALL THAT APPLY) After receiving a referral from the occupational health nurse, a client comes to the mental health clinic with a suspected diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder. The client explains that his compulsion to wash his hands is interfering with his job. Which interventions are appropriate when caring for a client with this disorder?

2. Support the use of appropriate defense mechanisms. 4. Explore the patterns leading to the compulsive behavior. 6. Encourage activities, such as listening to music."

A client diagnosed as having panic disorder with agoraphobia is admitted to the inpatient psychiatric unit. Until her admission, she had been a virtual prisoner in her home for 5 weeks, afraid to go outside even to buy food. When planning care for this client, what is the nurse's overall goal?

2. To help the client function effectively in her environment

A nurse has been providing care to the same group of clients for 4 consecutive days. On day 5, she sees that her assignment has changed, and she is concerned about the continuity of care for these clients. What should the nurse do?

2. Voice her concerns about continuity of care with the charge nurse.

A woman, age 18, is highly dependent on her parents and fears leaving home to go away to college. Shortly before the fall semester starts, she complains that her legs are paralyzed and is rushed to the emergency department. When physical examination rules out a physical cause for her paralysis, the physician admits her to the psychiatric unit where she is diagnosed with conversion disorder. The client asks the nurse, "Why has this happened to me?" What is the most appropriate response?

3. "Your problem is real but there is no physical basis for it. We'll work on what is going on in your life to find out why it's happened."

A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder tells the nurse that he must check the lock on his apartment door 25 times before leaving for an appointment. The nurse knows that this behavior represents the client's attempt to:

reduce anxiety.

A 59-year-old client is scheduled for cardiac catheterization the next morning. His physician prescribed secobarbital sodium (Seconal), 100 mg by mouth at bedtime, for sedation. Before administering the drug, the nurse should know that:

"4. sedatives reduce excitement; hypnotics induce sleep.

The physician orders a new medication for a client with generalized anxiety disorder. During medication teaching, which statement or question by the nurse would be most appropriate?

"Do you have any concerns about taking the medication?"

A client admitted to the psychiatric unit for treatment of repeated panic attacks comes to the nurses' station in obvious distress. After observing that the client is short of breath, dizzy, trembling, and nauseated, the nurse should first:

"3. escort the client to a quiet area and suggest using a relaxation exercise that he's been taught.

A client who lost her home and dog in an earthquake tells the admitting nurse at the community health center that she finds it harder and harder to "feel anything." She says she can't concentrate on the simplest tasks, fears losing control, and thinks about the earthquake incessantly. She becomes extremely anxious whenever the earthquake is mentioned and must leave the room if people talk about it. The nurse suspects that she has:

"3. posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

While being escorted to an operating room, a client is extremely anxious and says, "I really don't know what they're going to do to me today. The physician said I have a lump in my breast and that's all I know." Which action is appropriate for the nurse to take?

"4. Notify the physician upon arrival at the operating room.

(SELECT ALL THAT APPLY) A physician prescribes clomipramine (Anafranil) for a client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). What instructions should the nurse include when teaching the client about this medication?

"1. Avoid hazardous activities that require alertness or good coordination until adverse central nervous system (CNS) effects are known. 2. Avoid alcohol and other depressants. 3. Use saliva substitutes or sugarless candy or gum to relieve dry mouth. "

The nurse notices that a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder washes his hands for long periods each day. How should the nurse respond to this compulsive behavior?

"1. By designating times during which the client can focus on the behavior

Which of the following drugs have been known to be effective in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

"3. Fluvoxamine (Luvox) and clomipramine (Anafranil)

Which nursing intervention would be most helpful for a client experiencing a panic attack?

"3. Staying with the client and remaining calm, confident, and reassuring

The nurse is caring for a Vietnam War veteran with a history of explosive anger, unemployment, and depression since being discharged from the service. The client reports feeling ashamed of being "weak" and of letting past experiences control thoughts and actions in the present. What is the nurse's best response?

1. "Many people who have been in your situation experience similar emotions and behaviors."

During a panic attack, a client runs to the nurse and reports breathing difficulty, chest pain, and palpitations. The client is pale with his mouth wide open and eyebrows raised. What should the nurse do first?

1. Assist the client to breathe deeply into a paper bag

After seeking help at an outpatient mental health clinic, a client who was raped while walking her dog is diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Three months later, the client returns to the clinic, complaining of fear, loss of control, and helpless feelings. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for this client?

1. Exploring the meaning of the traumatic event with the client

The nurse notices that a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder dresses and undresses numerous times each day. Which comment by the nurse would be therapeutic?

1. I saw you change clothes several times today. That must be very tiring.

A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of conversion disorder. Since witnessing the beating of his wife at gunpoint, he has been unable to move his arms, complaining that they are paralyzed. When planning the client's care, the nurse should focus on:

1. helping the client identify and verbalize feelings about the incident.

The nurse is collecting data on a client suffering from stress and anxiety. A common physiological response to stress and anxiety is:

2. diarrhea

A physician's order states to administer lorazepam (Ativan), 20 mg by mouth twice per day, to treat anxiety. How should the nurse proceed?

2. Clarify the order with the prescribing physician because the amount prescribed exceeds the recommended dose.

A client in a psychiatric facility is prescribed escitalopram (Lexapro) for anxiety. She tells the nurse that she has been having "weird dreams" and feelings of wanting to "end it all." What action should the nurse take?

2. Consult a pharmacist to see if these symptoms are adverse effects of the drug.

"After months of coaxing by her husband, a client comes to the mental health clinic. She reports that she suffers from an overwhelming fear of leaving her house. This overwhelming fear has caused the client to lose her job and is beginning to take a toll on her marriage. The physician diagnoses the client with agoraphobia. Which treatment options are effective in treating this disorder?

2. Desensitization 3. Alprazolam (Xanax) therapy 4. Paroxetine (Paxil) therapy

A client is diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Which intervention should the nurse include when assisting with development of the plan of care?

2. Giving the client adequate time to perform rituals

A client with a conversion disorder reports blindness, and ophthalmologic examinations reveal that no physiologic disorder is causing progressive vision loss. The most likely source of this client's reported blindness is:

2. having been forced to watch a loved one's torture.

A client tells the nurse that she has an overwhelming fear of having a heart attack. This client is most likely suffering from which disorder?

2. Panic disorder

While shopping at a mall, a woman experiences an episode of extreme terror accompanied by anxiety, tachycardia, trembling, and fear of going crazy. A friend drives her to the emergency department, where a physician rules out physiological causes and refers her to the psychiatric resident on call. To control the client's anxiety, the nurse caring for this client may expect the resident to prescribe:

2. lorazepam (Ativan).

A nurse observes a medical student walk into a client's room and begin questioning her about her current health status. The client appears reluctant to respond. How should the nurse intervene?

3. Explain to the client that she has the right to refuse to answer questions asked by the medical student.

A client admitted to the unit is visibly anxious. When collecting data on the client, the nurse would expect to see which cardiovascular effect produced by the sympathetic nervous system?

3. Increased heart rate

A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder and ritualistic behavior must brush the hair back from his forehead 15 times before carrying out any activity. The nurse notices that the client's hair is thinning and the skin on the forehead is irritated — possible effects of this ritual. When planning the client's care, the nurse should assign highest priority to:

3. setting consistent limits on the ritualistic behavior if it harms the client or others.

The nurse is caring for a client experiencing an anxiety attack. Appropriate nursing interventions include:

3. staying with the client and speaking in short sentences.

During the admission data collection, a client with a panic disorder begins to hyperventilate and says, "I'm going to die if I don't get out of here right now!" What is the nurse's best response?

4. ""You're having a panic attack. I'll stay here with you

During a panic attack, a client hyperventilates, becomes unable to speak, and reports symptoms that mimic those of a heart attack. Which nursing intervention would be best?

4. Accompany the client to his room; remain there and provide instructions in short, simple statements.

Victims of sexual assault can experience posttraumatic stress reactions after the attack. Which of the following statements best describes symptoms associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

4. Flashbacks, recurring dreams, and numbness