Personality and Mood Disorders Q 60
Included as a priority of care for the client will be:
A. Encourage verbalization of concerns instead of demonstrating them through the body.
B. Divert attention toward activities.
C. Place in Semi-fowler's position and render O2 inhalation as ordered.
D. Help her recognize that her physical condition has an emotional component.
Correct Answer: C. Place in Semi-fowler’s position and render O2 inhalation as ordered
Since psychophysiological disorder has an organic basis, priority intervention is directed towards disease-specific management. Failure to address the medical condition of the client may be a life threat. Psychological factors may influence the symptoms and management of asthma, and numerous pathways may contribute to the links between asthma and psychiatric disease states such as depression. The notion that emotional stress can precipitate or exacerbate acute and chronic asthma has been recognized anecdotally for many years.
Option A: Psychological barriers, such as faulty symptom attribution, adoption or rejection of the sick role, and low self-esteem, may negatively impact treatment adherence. Conversely, the presence of a chronic and potentially life-threatening illness may exert enough stress that an anxiety or depressive disorder emerges in vulnerable patients.
Option B: The client has a physical symptom that is adversely affected by psychological factors. Verbalization of feelings in a non-threatening environment and involvement in relaxing activities are an adaptive way of dealing with stressors. However, these are not the priority.
Option D: Helping the client connect the physical symptoms with the emotional problems can be done when the client is ready. Relaxation techniques are generally conducted with or without biofeedback and were the focus of several earlier studies of psychological interventions in asthma. Relaxation techniques control stress and anxiety, which, in asthma, may improve breathing and respiratory function.