Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 80%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who has generalized anxiety disorder. Which of the following physical findings should the nurse expect?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: Muscle tension. Generalized anxiety disorder often manifests physically, leading to symptoms such as muscle tension. This is due to the body's response to stress, causing muscles to contract and tighten. Bradycardia (A) is not typically associated with anxiety disorders; instead, tachycardia is more common. Hypotension (C) is also not a typical physical finding in generalized anxiety disorder; anxiety can actually lead to elevated blood pressure. Improved respiratory rate (D) is unlikely as anxiety can cause rapid breathing or shortness of breath. In summary, muscle tension is a common physical finding in generalized anxiety disorder due to the body's response to stress.