Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
The nurse is planning care for a client with GAD. Which goal is most realistic for the client?
a. The client will completely eliminate all anxiety.
b. The client will identify triggers that increase anxiety.
c. The client will avoid situations that cause anxiety.
d. The client will rely solely on medication to control anxiety.
What is B?
A veteran with PTSD tells the nurse, “I keep having nightmares and feel like I’m back in combat.” Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
What is “Tell me more about the nightmares you are experiencing.”
Which vital sign changes are most concerning during alcohol withdrawal?
What are elevated blood pressure and increased heart rate (risk for seizures/DTs)?
A client is preoccupied with intrusive thoughts of contamination. This describes:
What is an obsession?
A client starting sertraline (Zoloft) asks when they will feel better. The nurse should respond:
What is “It may take 2–4 weeks to see the full effect.”
A client who recently lost his job tells the nurse, “I didn’t really like that job anyway.”
What is Rationalization?
A client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) reports difficulty sleeping, restlessness, and muscle tension. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for this client?
Teach the client relaxation and deep breathing exercises.
A client with PTSD reports flashbacks and hypervigilance. Which environment is most therapeutic during hospitalization?
What is a calm, structured environment with predictable routines?
Stimulant intoxication (e.g., cocaine) commonly produces which physical symptoms?
What are tachycardia, dilated pupils, hypertension, and restlessness?
True or False: OCD compulsions are performed because the client enjoys the behavior.
What is False?
A client with alcohol withdrawal is prescribed IV diazepam. What is the nurse’s priority action?
What is monitor for respiratory depression?
_________ is the refusal to accept reality or a situation, protecting the individual from anxiety.
What is Denial?
A nurse is caring for a client with GAD who states, “I constantly feel worried, even when nothing is wrong.” Which response by the nurse is therapeutic?
a. “You shouldn’t worry if nothing is wrong.”
b. “Tell me more about what makes you feel worried.”
c. “Worrying is part of life, so you’ll need to accept it.”
d. “Why do you worry so much?”
What is b. “Tell me more about what makes you feel worried.”
The nurse is teaching coping strategies to a client with PTSD. Which techniques should be included in the plan of care?
What are relaxation training and deep breathing,
exposure therapy guided by a mental health provider, grounding techniques during flashbacks and establishing a daily routine
Which medication is commonly used to prevent seizures during acute alcohol withdrawal?
What are benzodiazapines (lorazepam and diazepam)?
The nurse notices a client performing a ritual. What is the best initial nursing action?
What is allow the client time to complete the ritual, unless it poses harm?
Nursing priority for a client newly prescribed an SSRI:
What is assess for suicidal ideation?
A child begins to suck his thumb again after being hospitalized for surgery. Which defense mechanism is he displaying?
What is Regression?
The nurse is teaching a client with GAD about effective coping strategies. Which techniques should be included?
What are guided imagery, meditation and mindfulness, journaling thoughts and feelings
regular exercise
A client with PTSD becomes very anxious during a flashback and shouts, “Get down! We’re under attack!” What is the nurse’s priority action?
What is ensure the client and others are safe during the episode.
The nurse should prioritize which intervention for a client with suspected substance intoxication in the emergency department?
What is maintaining airway and breathing?
A hospitalized client with OCD spends so much time performing rituals that they miss meals. What is the nurse’s best response?
What is work with the client to gradually limit ritual time while maintaining nutrition?
A client with generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed buspirone. Which teaching should the nurse include?
What is this medication may take several weeks before you feel its full effect.”
The nurse is teaching about healthy vs. maladaptive defense mechanisms. Which of the following are considered healthy or adaptive ways of coping?
What is using humor to cope with a stressful situation, exercising to release frustration, writing in a journal to express feelings, and others.
A client with Generalized Anxiety Disorder has been prescribed buspirone. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
“If I drink a little wine with this medication, it won’t hurt me.”
“This medication will start working right away, just like my alprazolam did.”
“If I start feeling better, I can stop taking the medication immediately.”
“I can double my dose if I’m feeling especially anxious.”
What is all of the above?
Which statement made by a client with PTSD indicates a need for further teaching about prescribed sertraline (SSRI)?
What is “If I don’t feel better in two days, I can double my dose.”
True or False: Activated charcoal is the treatment of choice for inhalant overdose.
What is False? (supportive care and airway management).
The nurse should teach clients with OCD that treatment involves both:
What are medication (SSRIs) and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)?
The nurse is caring for a client prescribed alprazolam (Xanax). Which finding is most concerning?
A. Drowsiness and fatigue
B. Client reports daily alcohol use
C. Occasional headaches
D. Client naps during the day
What is B.
The nurse is assessing for maladaptive defense mechanisms in a client with alcohol abuse. Which behaviors indicate unhealthy coping?
What is denying how much alcohol they drink, blaming stress at work for drinking, joking about drinking to avoid seriousness, and others