NCO EAQ Anxiety

A nursing team holds a conference to develop goals for the care of a withdrawn, shy male client with low self-esteem who is afraid to talk to members of the opposite sex. Which objective should be given priority and documented in the client's plan of care?

"The client will increase his self-esteem."

A nursing assistant interrupts the performance of a ritual by a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder. What is the most likely client reaction?

Anxiety

A client who suspects that she is 6 weeks pregnant appears mildly anxious as she is waiting for her first obstetric appointment. What symptom of mild anxiety does the nurse expect this client to experience?

Increased alertness

A client with a history of closed-angle glaucoma is scheduled for abdominal surgery. Because the client is extremely anxious, surgery is to be performed under general anesthesia. What should the nurse teach the client to do to prevent respiratory complications postoperatively?

Deep breathing techniques

A client who uses a complex ritual says to the nurse, "I feel so guilty. None of this makes any sense. Everyone must really think I'm crazy." What is the most therapeutic response by the nurse?

"You're concerned about what other people are thinking about you."

A woman comes to the office of her healthcare provider reporting shortness of breath and epigastric distress that is not relieved by antacids. To which question would a woman experiencing a myocardial infarction respond differently than a man?

"Do you have chest pain?"

A client has been on the psychiatric unit for several days. The client arouses anxiety and frustration in the staff and manipulates them so well that staff members are afraid to approach the client. One morning the client shouts at the nurse, "You've worked it so I can't go for a walk with the group today. You're as cunning as a fox. I hate you! Get out, or I'll hit you!" What is the best response by the nurse?

"I don't like hearing your threats, but tell me more about your feelings."

The husband of a client who is in the transition phase of the first stage of labor becomes very tense and anxious and asks a nurse, "Would it be best for me to leave, since I don't seem to be doing my wife much good?" What is the appropriate response by the nurse?

"I know that this is hard for you. Let me try to help you coach her during this difficult phase."

A child is admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit after an accident at school. The mother, at the child's bedside, is visibly upset. What is the most therapeutic statement the nurse can make?

"You must be full of emotions right now."

A nurse is planning care for a group of hospitalized children. Which age group does the nurse anticipate will have the most problem with separation anxiety?

6 to 30 months

Before discharge of an anxious client, the nurse should teach the family that anxiety can be recognized as what?

A pattern of emotional and behavioral responses to stress

A nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of conversion disorder manifesting as paralysis of the legs. Which is the most therapeutic nursing intervention?

Avoiding focusing on the client's physical symptoms

Which drug is used to treat both generalized anxiety disorder and depression?

Duloxetine

The parents of an 11-year-old child with a terminal illness appear overwhelmed and anxious. What is the best response by the nurse?

Encouraging the parents to express their feelings

During a home visit to a client, the nurse identifies tremors of the client's hands. When discussing this assessment, the client reports being nervous, having difficulty sleeping, and feeling as if the collars of shirts are getting tight. Of the additional assessment findings, which one should the nurse report to the practitioner?

Fluttering in the chest

A client who was hospitalized with severe anxiety is ready to be discharged. What priority outcome has been met?

Maintains anxiety at a manageable level

An extremely agitated client hospitalized in a mental health unit begins to pace around the dayroom. What should the nurse do?

Let the client pace in the hall away from other clients.

What characteristic of anxiety is associated with a diagnosis of conversion disorder?

Relieved by the symptom

A client who lives with the parents is diagnosed with stage III Hodgkin disease with a grossly involved spleen and is scheduled for a splenectomy. After the nurse performs preoperative teaching, the client appears anxious. What is the best approach for the nurse to use at this time?

State that that the client seems anxious and ask whether the client would like to talk for a while.

A client with an obsessive-compulsive disorder continually walks up and down the hall, touching every other chair. When unable to do this, the client becomes upset. What should the nurse do?

Allow the behavior to continue for a specified time, letting the client help set the time limits to be imposed