Questions and Answers
Which actions would the nurse take when caring for a client having an acute episode of anxiety? (Select all that apply)
Which medication class is preferred for managing anxiety disorders?
For which side effect of alprazolam will the nurse monitor the client?
Which statement by the client indicates the need for further instruction about managing stress and anxiety?
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Which action would the nurse anticipate taking when a client with anxiety begins hyperventilating and reports feeling dizzy?
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Place these crisis interventions in the order the nurse would implement them for a client experiencing escalating levels of anxiety:
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Study Notes
Acute Anxiety Management
- Maintain presence with the client to convey acceptance and a supportive environment.
- Give brief, clear directions to minimize confusion and enhance decision-making.
- Use short and simple sentences for better comprehension during anxiety episodes.
- Encourage linking behavior to feelings for increased self-awareness and emotional processing.
- Teach cognitive therapy principles to foster behavioral change in anxiety management.
- Suggest writing an assessment of strengths to improve self-acceptance and confidence.
Preferred Medications for Anxiety Disorders
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the first choice due to better safety profiles.
- SSRIs carry less risk of substance abuse compared to other medications like benzodiazepines.
- Anticholinergics are used alongside antipsychotics to reduce extrapyramidal symptoms.
- Lithium carbonate is specifically for bipolar disorder, not anxiety.
- Antipsychotic medications are primarily used for clients with thought disorders.
Monitoring Side Effects of Alprazolam
- Drowsiness is a common side effect of alprazolam due to its sedative properties.
- Watch for dizziness and blurred vision which can occur with benzodiazepines.
- Alprazolam does not typically cause bradycardia; it may cause tachycardia instead.
- Agranulocytosis is associated with some antipsychotics, not with benzodiazepines like alprazolam.
- Tardive dyskinesia is related to prolonged use of antipsychotic medications, not benzodiazepines.
Effective Stress Management Strategies
- Avoiding exercise does not help; physical activity is crucial in managing anxiety and stress.
- Journaling helps identify stressors and promotes reflection on anxieties.
- Finding humor in stressful situations can provide relief and improve coping.
- Cognitive reframing aids in shifting perceptions from negative to positive.
Responding to Hyperventilation in Anxiety
- Instruct the client to breathe into a paper bag to counteract respiratory alkalosis caused by hyperventilation.
- This technique helps increase carbon dioxide levels, alleviating dizziness.
- Monitor oxygen saturation; admin istration is generally unnecessary in the absence of hypoxia.
- Incentive spirometry is not indicated since it is unrelated to hyperventilation issues.
- Administering sodium bicarbonate is counterproductive as the client is already alkalotic.
Crisis Intervention Sequence for Anxiety
- Begin by identifying the source of anxiety for targeted intervention.
- Encourage deep breathing and relaxation techniques to help regain control.
- Provide firm yet kind directions to guide the client appropriately.
- Restraints may be used as a last resort if the client poses a danger to themselves or others.
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Description
Test your knowledge on stress and coping strategies for nursing care in acute anxiety situations. This quiz includes flashcards focusing on important nursing interventions and cognitive therapy principles. Perfect for reinforcing concepts from NU373 course materials.
