Chapter 11: Anxiety, Anxiety Disorders, and Obsessive - Compulsive Disorders

Which statement is mostly likely to be made by a patient diagnosed with agoraphobia? a. "Being afraid to go out seems ridiculous, but I can't go out the door." b. "I'm sure I'll get over not wanting to leave home soon. It takes time." c. "When I have a good incentive to go out, I can do it." d. "My family says they like it now that I stay home."

A. "Being afraid to go out seems ridiculous, but I can't go out the door." Reason: Individuals who are agoraphobic generally acknowledge that the behavior is not constructive and that they do not really like it. Patients state they are unable to change the behavior. Patients with agoraphobia are not optimistic about change. Most families are dissatisfied when family members refuse to leave the house.

Which comment by a person experiencing severe anxiety indicates the possibility of obsessive-compulsive disorder? a. "I check where my car keys are eight times." b. "My legs often feel weak and spastic." c. "I'm embarrassed to go out in public." d. "I keep reliving the car accident."

A. "I check where my car keys are eight times." Reason: Recurring doubt (obsessive thinking) and the need to check (compulsive behavior) suggest obsessive-compulsive disorder. The repetitive behavior is designed to decrease anxiety but fails and must be repeated.

Two staff nurses applied for promotion to nurse manager. Initially, the nurse not promoted had feelings of loss but then became supportive of the new manager by helping make the transition smooth and encouraging others. Which term best describes the nurse's response? a. Altruism b. Sublimation c. Suppression d. Passive aggression

A. Altruism Reason: Altruism is the mechanism by which an individual deals with emotional conflict by meeting the needs of others and vicariously receiving gratification from the responses of others.

A patient approaches the nurse and impatiently blurts out, "You've got to help me! Something terrible is happening. My heart is pounding." The nurse responds, "It's almost time for visiting hours. Let's get your hair combed." Which approach has the nurse used? a. Bringing up an irrelevant topic b. Responding to physical needs c. Addressing false cognitions d. Focusing

A. Bringing up an irrelevant topic Reason: The patient is experiencing anxiety. The nurse has closed off patient-centered communication by changing the subject. The introduction of an irrelevant topic makes the nurse feel better.

A student says, "Before taking a test, I feel a heightened sense of awareness and restlessness." The nursing intervention most suitable for assisting the student is to: a. explain that the symptoms are the result of mild anxiety, and discuss the helpful aspects. b. advise the student to discuss this experience with a health care provider. c. encourage the student to begin antioxidant vitamin supplements. d. listen without comment.

A. Explain that the symptoms are the results of mild anxiety, and discuss the helpful aspects Reason: Teaching about the symptoms of anxiety, their relation to precipitating stressors, and, in this case, the positive effects of anxiety serves to reassure the patient.

A patient in the emergency department has no physical injuries but exhibits disorganized behavior and incoherence after minor traffic accident. In which room should the nurse place the patient? a. Interview room furnished with a desk and two chairs b. Small, empty storage room with no windows or furniture c. Room with an examining table, instrument cabinets, desk, and chair d. Nurse's office, furnished with chairs, files, magazines, and bookcases

A. Interview room furnished with a desk and two chairs Reason: Individuals who are experiencing severe to panic-level anxiety require a safe environment that is quiet, nonstimulating, structured, and simple. A room with a desk and two chairs provides simplicity, few objects with which the patient could cause self-harm, and a small floor space around which the patient can move

A patient with a high level of motor activity runs from chair to chair and cries, "They're coming! They're coming!" The patient does not follow instructions or respond to verbal interventions from staff. The initial nursing intervention of highest priority is to: a. provide for patient safety. b. increase environmental stimuli. c. respect the patient's personal space. d. encourage the clarification of feelings.

A. Provide for patient safety Reason: Safety is of highest priority; the patient who is experiencing panic is at high risk for self-injury related to an increase in non-goal-directed motor activity, distorted perceptions, and disordered thoughts.

An individual experiences sexual dysfunction and blames it on a partner by calling the person unattractive and unromantic. Which defense mechanism is evident? a. Rationalization b. Compensation c. Introjection d. Regression

A. Rationalization Reason: Rationalization involves unconsciously making excuses for one's behavior, inadequacies, or feelings.

A person who is speaking about a contender for a significant other's affection says in a gushy, syrupy voice, "What a lovely person. That's someone I simply adore." The individual is demonstrating: a. reaction formation. b. repression. c. projection. d. denial.

A. Reaction formation Reason: Reaction formation is an unconscious mechanism that keeps unacceptable feelings out of awareness by using the opposite behavior. Instead of expressing hatred for the other person, the individual gives praise

A patient with a high level of motor activity runs from chair to chair and cries, "They're coming! They're coming!" The patient is unable to follow instructions or respond to verbal interventions from staff. Which nursing diagnosis has the highest priority? a. Risk for injury b. Self-care deficit c. Disturbed energy field d. Disturbed thought processes

A. Risk for injury Reason: A patient who is experiencing panic-level anxiety is at high risk for injury, related to an increase in non-goal-directed motor activity, distorted perceptions, and disordered thoughts

A person who has been unable to leave home for more than a week because of severe anxiety says, "I know it does not make sense, but I just can't bring myself to leave my apartment alone." Which nursing intervention is appropriate? a. Teach the person to use positive self-talk. b. Assist the person to apply for disability benefits. c. Ask the person to explain why the fear is so disabling. d. Advise the person to accept the situation and use a companion.

A. Teach the person to use positive self-talk Reason: This intervention, a form of cognitive restructuring, replaces negative thoughts such as "I can't leave my apartment" with positive thoughts such as "I can control my anxiety." This technique helps the patient gain mastery over the symptoms. The other options reinforce the sick role.

A patient who is preparing for surgery has moderate anxiety and is unable to understand preoperative information. Which nursing intervention is appropriate? a. Reassure the patient that all nurses are skilled in providing postoperative care. b. Describe the procedure again in a calm manner, using simple language. c. Tell the patient that the staff is prepared to promote recovery. d. Encourage the patient to express feelings to his or her family.

B. Describe the procedure again in a calm manner, using simple language Reason: Providing information in a calm, simple manner helps the patient grasp the important facts. Introducing extraneous topics as described in the incorrect options will further scatter the patient's attention.

A patient performs ritualistic hand washing. What should the nurse do to help the patient develop more effective coping strategies? a. Allow the patient to set a hand-washing schedule. b. Encourage the patient to participate in social activities. c. Encourage the patient to discuss hand-washing routines. d. Focus on the patient's symptoms rather than on the patient.

B. Encourage the patient to participate in social activities Reason: Because patients diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder become overly involved in rituals, promoting involvement with other people and activities is necessary to improve the patient's coping strategies. Daily activities prevent the constant focus on anxiety and its symptoms. The other interventions focus on the compulsive symptom

A patient with a mass in the left upper lobe of the lung is scheduled for a biopsy. The patient has difficulty understanding the nurse's comments and asks, "What are they going to do?" Assessment findings include a tremulous voice, respirations 28 breaths per minute, and pulse rate 110 beats per minute. What is the patient's level of anxiety? a. Mild b. Moderate c. Severe d. Panic

B. Moderate Reason: Moderate anxiety causes the individual to grasp less information and reduces his or her problem-solving ability to a less-than-optimal level

A nurse encourages an anxious patient to talk about feelings and concerns. What is the rationale for this intervention? a. Offering hope allays and defuses the patient's anxiety. b. Concerns stated aloud become less overwhelming and help problem solving to begin. c. Anxiety is reduced by focusing on and validating what is occurring in the environment. d. Encouraging patients to explore alternatives increases the sense of control and lessens anxiety

B. concerns stated aloud become less overwhelming and help problem solving to begin Reason: All principles listed are valid, but the only rationale directly related to the intervention of assisting the patient to talk about feelings and concerns is the one that states that concerns spoken aloud become less overwhelming and help problem solving to begin.

Which finding indicates that a patient with moderate-to-severe anxiety has successfully lowered the anxiety level to mild? The patient: a. asks, "What's the matter with me?" b. stays in a room alone and paces rapidly. c. can concentrate on what the nurse is saying. d. states, "I don't want anything to eat. My stomach is upset."

C. "Can concentrate on what the nurse is saying." Reason: The ability to concentrate and attend to reality is increased slightly in mild anxiety and decreased in moderate-, severe-, and panic-level anxiety

A patient experiencing moderate anxiety says, "I feel undone." An appropriate response for the nurse would be: a. "Why do you suppose you are feeling anxious?" b. "What would you like me to do to help you?" c. "I'm not sure I understand. Give me an example." d. "You must get your feelings under control before we can continue."

C. "I'm not sure I understand. Give me an example" Reason: Increased anxiety results in scattered thoughts and an inability to articulate clearly. Clarification helps the patient identify his or her thoughts and feelings.

If a cruel and abusive person rationalizes this behavior, which comment is most characteristic of this person? a. "I don't know why it happens." b. "I have always had poor impulse control." c. "That person should not have provoked me." d. "Inside I am a coward who is afraid of being hurt."

C. "That person should not have provoked me." Reason: Rationalization consists of justifying one's unacceptable behavior by developing explanations that satisfy the teller and attempt to satisfy the listener. The abuser is suggesting that the abuse is not his or her fault; it would not have occurred except for the provocation by the other person.

A patient has the nursing diagnosis Anxiety, related to __________, as evidenced by an inability to control compulsive cleaning. Which phrase correctly completes the etiologic portion of the diagnosis? a. ensuring the health of household members b. attempting to avoid interactions with others c. having persistent thoughts about bacteria, germs, and dirt d. needing approval for cleanliness from friends and family

C. Having persistent thoughts about bacteria, germs, and dirt Reason: Many compulsive rituals accompany obsessive thoughts. The patient uses these rituals to relief anxiety. Unfortunately, the anxiety relief is short lived, and the patient must frequently repeat the ritual. The other options are unrelated to the dynamics of compulsive behavior.

A patient tells a nurse, "My new friend is the most perfect person one could imagine—kind, considerate, and good looking. I can't find a single flaw." This patient is demonstrating: a. denial. b. projection. c. idealization. d. compensation.

C. Idealization Reason: Idealization is an unconscious process that occurs when an individual attributes exaggerated positive qualities to another

A nurse wishes to teach alternative coping strategies to a patient experiencing severe anxiety. The nurse will first need to: a. Verify the patient's learning style. b. Create outcomes and a teaching plan. c. Lower the patient's current anxiety level. d. Assess how the patient uses defense mechanisms.

C. Lower the patient's current anxiety level Reason: A patient experiencing severe anxiety has a significantly narrowed perceptual field and difficulty attending to events in the environment.

Two staff nurses applied for a charge nurse position. After the promotion was announced, the nurse who was not promoted said, "The nurse manager had a headache the day I was interviewed." Which defense mechanism is evident? a. Introjection b. Conversion c. Projection d. Splitting

C. Projection Reason: Projection is the hallmark of blaming, scapegoating, thinking prejudicially, and stigmatizing others

For a patient experiencing panic, which nursing intervention should be implemented first? a. Teach relaxation techniques. b. Administer an anxiolytic medication. c. Provide calm, brief, directive communication. d. Gather a show of force in preparation for gaining physical control.

C. Provide calm, brief, directive communication Reason: Calm, brief, directive verbal interaction can help the patient gain control of the overwhelming feelings and impulses related to anxiety

A person has minor physical injuries after an automobile accident. The person is unable to focus and says, "I feel like something awful is going to happen." This person has nausea, dizziness, tachycardia, and hyperventilation. What is this person's level of anxiety? a. Mild b. Moderate c. Severe d. Panic

C. Severe Reason: The person whose anxiety is severe is unable to solve problems and may have a poor grasp of what is happening in the environment. Somatic symptoms such as those described are usually present.

A patient tells the nurse, "I don't go to restaurants because people might laugh at the way I eat, or I could spill food and be laughed at." The nurse assesses this behavior as consistent with: a. acrophobia. b. agoraphobia. c. social anxiety disorder (social phobia). d. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

C. Social anxiety disorder (Social Phobia) Reason: The fear of a potentially embarrassing situation represents social anxiety disorder (social phobia).

Which assessment question would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask a patient who has possible generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)? a. "Have you been a victim of a crime or seen someone badly injured or killed?" b. "Do you feel especially uncomfortable in social situations involving people?" c. "Do you repeatedly do certain things over and over again?" d. "Do you find it difficult to control your worrying?"

D. "Do you find it difficult to control your worrying?" Reason: Patients with GAD frequently engage in excessive worrying. They are less likely to engage in ritualistic behavior, fear social situations, or have been involved in a highly traumatic event.

A patient experiencing severe anxiety suddenly begins running and shouting, "I'm going to explode!" The nurse should: a. say, "I'm not sure what you mean. Give me an example." b. chase after the patient, and give instructions to stop running. c. capture the patient in a basket-hold to increase feelings of control. d. assemble several staff members and state, "We will help you regain control."

D. Assemble several staff members and state "We will help you regain control." Reason: The safety needs of the patient and other patients are a priority. The patient is less likely to cause self-harm or hurt others when several staff members take responsibility for providing limits. The explanation given to the patient should be simple and neutral. Simply being told that others can help provide the control that has been lost may be sufficient to help the patient regain control

A patient checks and rechecks electrical cords related to an obsessive thought that the house may burn down. The nurse and patient explore the likelihood of an actual fire. The patient states that a house fire is not likely. This counseling demonstrates the principles of: a. flooding. b. desensitization. c. relaxation technique. d. cognitive restructuring.

D. Cognitive restructuring Reason: Cognitive restructuring involves the patient in testing automatic thoughts and drawing new conclusions

A person who feels unattractive repeatedly says, "Although I'm not beautiful, I am smart." This is an example of: a. repression. b. devaluation. c. identification. d. compensation.

D. Compensation Reason: Compensation is an unconscious process that allows an individual to make up for deficits in one area by excelling in another area to raise self-esteem

A patient is undergoing diagnostic tests. The patient says, "Nothing is wrong with me except a stubborn chest cold." The spouse reports that the patient smokes, coughs daily, has recently lost 15 pounds, and is easily fatigued. Which defense mechanism is the patient using? a. Displacement b. Regression c. Projection d. Denial

D. Denial Reason: Denial is an unconscious blocking of threatening or painful information or feelings.

A student says, "Before taking a test, I feel a heightened sense of awareness and restlessness." The nurse can correctly assess the student's experience as: a. culturally influenced. b. displacement. c. trait anxiety. d. mild anxiety.

D. Mild Anxiety Reason: Mild anxiety is rarely obstructive to the task at hand. It may be helpful to the patient because it promotes study and increases awareness of the nuances of questions. The incorrect responses have different symptoms.

A supervisor assigns a worker a new project. The worker initially agrees but feels resentful. The next day, when asked about the project, the worker says, "I've been working on other things." When asked 4 hours later, the worker says, "Someone else was using the copier, so I couldn't finish it." The worker's behavior demonstrates: a. acting out. b. projection. c. suppression. d. passive aggression.

D. Passive aggression Reason: A passive-aggressive person deals with emotional conflict by indirectly expressing aggression toward others. Compliance on the surface masks covert resistance. Resistance is expressed through procrastination, inefficiency, and stubbornness in response to assigned tasks