Substance Abuse and Abuse Q 20
When planning the discharge of a client with chronic anxiety, the nurse directs the goals at promoting a safe environment at home. The most appropriate maintenance goal should focus on which of the following?
A. Continued contact with a crisis counselor.
B. Identifying anxiety-producing situations.
C. Ignoring feelings of anxiety.
D. Eliminating all anxiety from daily situations.
Correct Answer: B. Identifying anxiety-producing situations.
Recognizing situations that produce anxiety allows the client to prepare to cope with anxiety or avoid a specific stimulus. Observe for increasing anxiety. Assume a calm manner, decrease environmental stimulation, and provide temporary isolation as indicated. Early detection and intervention facilitate modifying a client’s behavior by changing the environment and the client’s interaction with it, to minimize the spread of anxiety.
Option A: Counselors will not be available for all anxiety-producing situations, and this option does not encourage the development of internal strengths. Teach signs and symptoms of escalating anxiety, and ways to interrupt its progression (e.g., relaxation techniques, deep-breathing exercises, physical exercises, brisk walks, jogging, meditation). So the client can start using relaxation techniques; gives the client confidence in having control over his anxiety.
Option C: Ignoring feelings will not resolve anxiety. Remain with the client at all times when levels of anxiety are high (severe or panic); reassure the client of his or her safety and security. The client’s safety is utmost priority. A highly anxious client should not be left alone as his anxiety will escalate. Provide reassurance and comfort measures. Encourage the client’s participation in relaxation exercises such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, meditation and so forth.
Option D: Elimination anxiety from life is impossible. Stay with the patient during panic attacks. Use short, simple directions. During a panic attack, the patient needs reassurance that he is not dying and the symptoms will resolve spontaneously. In anxiety, the client’s ability to deal with abstractions or complexity is impaired.