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Anxiety disorders involve disorders that contain characteristics of excessive fear and anxiety and linked behavioral disturbances. There are several types of anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, separation anxiety disorder, selective mutism, specific phobia, social anxiety disorder or social phobia, panic disorder, substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder, and anxiety disorder due to another medical condition. Review this study guide and learn more about anxiety disorders, its nursing care management, interventions, and assessment. Types of Anxiety DisordersThe characteristic features of this group of disorders are symptoms of anxiety and avoidance behavior. Anxiety disorders are categorized in the following manner:
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (included in the obsessive-compulsive and related disorders), posttraumatic stress disorder (included in the trauma and stress-related disorders), and acute stress disorder, are no longer considered anxiety disorders as they were in the previous version of the DSM. Nonetheless, these disorders are closely linked to anxiety disorders and the sequential order of these chapters in the DSM-5 reflects this close connection. PathophysiologyThe brain circuits and regions associated with anxiety disorders are beginning to be understood with the development of functional and structural imaging.
Statistics and IncidencesAnxiety disorders are the most common type of psychiatric disorders in the Unites States.
CausesPredisposing factors to anxiety disorder include the following:
Clinical ManifestationsSigns and symptoms of anxiety disorders may include the following:
Assessment and Diagnostic FindingsFor presentations with a higher index of suspicion for other medical causes of anxiety, more detailed evaluations may be indicated to identify or exclude underlying medical disorders.
Medical ManagementTreatment usually consists of a combination of pharmacotherapy and/or psychotherapy.
Pharmacologic ManagementAntidepressant agents are the drugs of choice in the treatment of anxiety disorders, particularly the newer agents that have a safer adverse effect profile and higher ease of use than the older tricyclic antidepressants.
Nursing ManagementNursing management of a patient with anxiety disorder include the following: Nursing AssessmentNursing assessment of a patient with anxiety disorder include:
Nursing DiagnosisBased on the assessment data, the major nursing diagnosis are:
Nursing Care Planning and GoalsThe major nursing care planning goals for patients with Anxiety Disorders are: SEE ALSO: 7 Anxiety and Panic Disorders Nursing Care Plans
Nursing InterventionsThe nursing interventions for anxiety disorders are:
EvaluationThe outcome criteria for Anxiety Disorders include:
Documentation GuidelinesDocumentation guidelines include the following:
Practice Quiz: Anxiety DisordersNursing practice questions for Anxiety Disorders. Please visit our nursing test bank page for more NCLEX practice questions. 1. After seeking help at an outpatient mental health clinic, Ruby who was raped while walking her dog is diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Three months later, Ruby returns to the clinic, complaining of fear, loss of control, and helpless feelings. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for Ruby? A. Allowing the client time to heal.B. Recommending a high-protein, low-fat diet.C. Exploring the meaning of the traumatic event with the client. D. Giving sleep medication, as prescribed, to restore a normal sleep-wake cycle. 1. Answer: C Exploring the meaning of the traumatic event with the client.
2. Alfred was newly diagnosed with anxiety disorder. The physician prescribed buspirone (BuSpar). The nurse is aware that the teaching instructions for newly prescribed buspirone should include which of the following? A. A reminder of the need to schedule blood work in 1 week to check blood levels of the drug.B. A warning about the incidence of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).C. A warning about the drugs delayed therapeutic effect, which is from 14 to 30 days. D. A warning that immediate sedation can occur with a resultant drop in pulse. 2. Answer: C. A warning about the drugs delayed therapeutic effect, which is from 14 to 30 days.
3. Patient Clint with agoraphobia has been symptom-free for 4 months. Classic signs and symptoms of phobias include: A. Severe anxiety and fearB. Withdrawal and failure to distinguish reality from fantasy C. Insomnia and an inability to concentrate D. Depression and weight loss 3. Answer: A. Severe anxiety and fear.
4. Which medications have been found to help reduce or eliminate panic attacks? A. AnticholinergicsB. Mood stabilizers C. Antipsychotics D. Antidepressants 4. Answer: D. Antidepressants.
5. The nurse is assessing a client who has just been admitted to the emergency department. Which signs would suggest an overdose of an antianxiety agent? A. Suspiciousness, dilated pupils, and increased blood pressure 5. Answer: B. Emotional lability, euphoria, and impaired memory.
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