Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 84%
Simulated
A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who reports chest pain,headache,and shortness of breath. He continues to state,I don't know why my wife left me. The client receives a diagnosis of anxiety. The nurse realizes the client's findings support which level of anxiety?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Panic. The client's symptoms of chest pain, headache, shortness of breath, and cognitive distraction (focusing on wife leaving) indicate severe anxiety. Panic level of anxiety is characterized by intense fear, physical symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they represent varying levels of anxiety that are not as severe as panic. This client's symptoms do not align with moderate, mild, or severe anxiety levels. Panic is the most appropriate level based on the client's presentation.