Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 75%
Simulated
Passage / Scenario
Nurses' Notes6 months ago:
A client presents to the outpatient psychiatrist's office due to concerns about worsening claustrophobia. The client states that a few months ago, they were trapped in an elevator at work for about 30 min, and ever since that time, they have been unable to take the elevator at work. The client states, "this is inconvenient because I work on the 8th floor! I wanted to see if there was a medication or something so that I can start using the elevator again."
Today:
The client returns for a follow-up visit and states "It's getting worse and worse." The client reports that their symptoms have worsened since they were last seen. Now, the client can no longer be in the shower, or any enclosed space, without having palpitations, shortness of breath, and sweating. The client has been utilizing coping strategies discussed at the previous visit without success.
Plan of Care
6 months ago:
Start sertraline 50 mg PO daily
Client educated on anxiety-reduction strategies including physical activity, abdominal breathing, and positive self-talk.
Today:
Increase sertraline 100 mg PO daily
Initiate exposure therapy
Vital Signs
Today:
ÔÇó Blood pressure: 125/69 mm Hg
ÔÇó Heart rate: 80/min
ÔÇó Respiratory rate: 17/min
ÔÇó Temperature: 37 ┬░C (98.6 ┬░F)
A nurse is caring for a client in the outpatient mental health facility. The nurse should include in the teaching to the client that behavioral therapy will ____ and ____.
Correct answer
A,B
Rationale
Action to Take: A, B; Potential Condition: Anxiety disorder; Parameter to Monitor: Anxiety level, Progress in therapy.
Rationale:
- Incremental exposure and relaxation techniques are key components of behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders, helping the client gradually confront and manage their fears in a controlled manner (A, B).
- In this scenario, the potential condition is likely an anxiety disorder, as behavioral therapy is commonly used to treat such conditions (C).
- Monitoring the client's anxiety level and their progress in therapy are essential to assess the effectiveness of the treatment plan and make necessary adjustments (D, E).
Summary:
- Choices C, D, and E are incorrect as they do not directly relate to the core principles of behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders.
- The correct actions to take involve gradual exposure and relaxation techniques to help the client manage their fears effectively.
- Monitoring anxiety levels and therapy progress are crucial parameters to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment.
Rationale:
- Incremental exposure and relaxation techniques are key components of behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders, helping the client gradually confront and manage their fears in a controlled manner (A, B).
- In this scenario, the potential condition is likely an anxiety disorder, as behavioral therapy is commonly used to treat such conditions (C).
- Monitoring the client's anxiety level and their progress in therapy are essential to assess the effectiveness of the treatment plan and make necessary adjustments (D, E).
Summary:
- Choices C, D, and E are incorrect as they do not directly relate to the core principles of behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders.
- The correct actions to take involve gradual exposure and relaxation techniques to help the client manage their fears effectively.
- Monitoring anxiety levels and therapy progress are crucial parameters to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment.