Anxiety Disorders: Classification, Symptoms, and Treatment

Question 1

What is the defining feature that distinguishes panic disorder from other anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks characterized by intense fear or discomfort

Answer

Excessive and persistent worry about everyday events

Answer

Avoidance of specific situations or objects due to intense fear

Answer

Uncontrollable fear of interacting with others

Question 2

Which type of phobia involves an intense fear of open or enclosed spaces?

Accepted Answer

Claustrophobia

Answer

Agoraphobia

Answer

Social phobia

Answer

Acrophobia

Question 3

Which type of medication is commonly prescribed for panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Klonopin)

Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Tofranil, Elavil)

Answer

Antipsychotics (e.g., Zyprexa, Seroquel)

Question 4

What is a crucial nursing intervention for individuals with anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Creating a calming and supportive environment

Answer

Encouraging avoidance of situations that trigger anxiety

Answer

Administering medications as prescribed without question

Answer

Isolating the client from others

Question 5

What is the primary goal of exposure therapy for phobias?

Accepted Answer

To provide a safe and controlled environment to confront the fear

Answer

To completely eliminate the phobia

Answer

To reduce the intensity of the fear response

Answer

To teach individuals to avoid the feared object or situation

Question 6

Which of the following is not a diagnostic criterion for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Hallucinations

Answer

Excessive and uncontrollable worry occurring more days than not for at least 6 months

Answer

Restlessness or feeling on edge

Answer

Fatigue or loss of energy

Question 7

Which of the following is the first-line treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Antipsychotics

Answer

Mood stabilizers

Question 8

Which of the following medications is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Fluoxetine

Answer

Alprazolam

Answer

Phenelzine

Answer

Bupropion

Question 9

Which of the following symptoms is characteristic of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) but not Panic Disorder?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry

Answer

Shortness of breath

Answer

Chest pain

Answer

Dizziness

Question 10

Which of the following is a key characteristic of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry that is difficult to control

Answer

Recurrent panic attacks

Question 11

The primary focus of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders is:

Accepted Answer

Challenging negative thoughts and beliefs

Answer

Relaxation techniques

Answer

Exposure therapy

Answer

Medication management

Question 12

Benzodiazepines are frequently prescribed for anxiety disorders because they:

Accepted Answer

Promote relaxation and reduce anxiety

Answer

Enhance cognitive function

Answer

Reduce the risk of seizures

Answer

Improve sleep quality

Question 13

Which of the following nursing interventions is appropriate for a patient experiencing an acute anxiety attack?

Accepted Answer

Remaining calm and providing reassurance

Answer

Administering anti-anxiety medication

Answer

Encouraging the patient to exercise

Answer

Leaving the patient alone to calm down

Question 14

When planning discharge for a patient with an anxiety disorder, the nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Provide clear instructions on medications and follow-up appointments

Answer

Emphasize the importance of avoiding stressful situations

Answer

Encourage the patient to self-medicate with alcohol or benzodiazepines

Answer

Ignore the patient's concerns about anxiety

Question 15

Which anxiety disorder is most commonly diagnosed in primary care settings?

Accepted Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder

Answer

Panic disorder

Answer

Social anxiety disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Question 16

What is the primary symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive worry and anxiety

Answer

Panic attacks

Answer

Obsessive thoughts

Answer

Phobias

Question 17

Which symptom is NOT characteristic of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Panic attacks

Answer

Excessive worry

Answer

Restlessness or feeling on edge

Answer

Fatigue

Question 18

Which anxiety disorder involves sudden, unexpected panic attacks accompanied by physical symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Panic Disorder

Answer

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Answer

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)

Answer

Phobic Disorder

Question 19

What is the initial approach to treating most anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Psychotherapy

Answer

Medication

Answer

Lifestyle changes

Answer

Hospitalization

Question 20

Which psychotherapy method is particularly effective in treating anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Answer

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Answer

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

Answer

Psychodynamic Therapy

Question 21

What is the primary purpose of medication in the management of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

To provide immediate relief from symptoms

Answer

To cure anxiety disorders permanently

Answer

To reduce the need for psychotherapy

Answer

To increase patient motivation

Question 22

Which symptom is commonly associated with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Accepted Answer

Excessive handwashing

Answer

Persistent thoughts of harm

Answer

Fear of heights

Answer

Avoidance of social situations

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Panic attacks and intense fear

Answer

Excessive and uncontrollable worry

Answer

Muscle tension and sleep disturbances

Answer

Restlessness, fatigue, and irritability

Question 24

Which neurotransmitter is primarily involved in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine and serotonin

Answer

Dopamine

Answer

Glutamate

Answer

GABA

Question 25

When assessing a patient with an anxiety disorder, which component of the nursing history is most important?

Accepted Answer

Psychosocial history

Answer

Past medical history

Answer

Family history

Answer

Medication history

Question 26

Which of the following is a first-line pharmacological treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Answer

Benzodiazepines

Answer

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Answer

Atypical antipsychotics

Question 27

Which type of psychotherapy is most effective in treating social anxiety disorder (SAD)?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Psychodynamic therapy

Answer

Interpersonal therapy

Answer

Supportive therapy

Question 28

A nurse is teaching a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) about exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy. Which statement by the patient indicates an understanding of the therapy?

Accepted Answer

I will gradually face my fears while simultaneously preventing my compulsive behaviors.

Answer

I need to avoid situations that trigger my thoughts and behaviors.

Answer

I should try to suppress my thoughts and behaviors as much as possible.

Answer

I can expect my symptoms to disappear completely after a few sessions of therapy.

Question 29

When planning care for a patient with a severe anxiety disorder, which nursing intervention should be a priority?

Accepted Answer

Providing a safe and supportive environment

Answer

Educating the patient about their disorder and treatment options

Answer

Administering prescribed medications as ordered

Answer

Encouraging social support and community involvement

Question 30

Which of the following nursing actions is appropriate when caring for a patient with anxiety who is experiencing suicidal thoughts?

Accepted Answer

Stay with the patient and provide emotional support.

Answer

Leave the patient alone for a short period.

Answer

Confront the patient about their thoughts.

Answer

Call for security assistance immediately.

Question 31

What is a potential disadvantage of using benzodiazepines for long-term treatment of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Tolerance

Answer

Better sleep

Answer

Lower risk of addiction

Answer

No withdrawal symptoms

Question 32

Which nursing intervention is ineffective for supporting individuals with anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Minimizing their concerns as exaggerated

Answer

Creating a safe and supportive environment

Answer

Promoting relaxation techniques

Question 33

Identify the symptom NOT associated with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Accepted Answer

Persistent feelings of sadness

Answer

Excessive worry

Answer

Increased heart rate

Answer

Muscle tension

Question 34

Which characteristic defines panic disorder?

Accepted Answer

Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks

Answer

Excessive apprehension about future events

Answer

Persistent avoidance of social interactions

Answer

Intense fear of specific objects or situations

Question 35

Which anxiety disorder is characterized by intense fear of being judged or embarrassed by others?

Accepted Answer

Social anxiety disorder

Answer

Specific phobia

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Question 36

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders primarily focuses on:

Accepted Answer

Identifying and altering negative thought patterns

Answer

Prescribing medications to alleviate symptoms

Answer

Instructing in relaxation techniques

Answer

Utilizing hypnosis to access subconscious beliefs

Question 37

When assessing a patient with anxiety, the nurse should:

Accepted Answer

Attend to the patient's symptoms and history

Answer

Dismiss the patient's subjective experiences

Answer

Only ask questions with limited answer choices

Answer

Avoid physical contact with the patient

Question 38

When educating a patient about anxiety disorders, the nurse should emphasize:

Accepted Answer

Anxiety is a prevalent and treatable condition

Answer

Anxiety can be cured solely with medication

Answer

Anxiety indicates personal weakness

Answer

Patients with anxiety should isolate themselves from social situations

Question 39

Which of the following is NOT a common cognitive distortion associated with anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Discounting the positive

Answer

Catastrophizing

Answer

Mind reading

Answer

Disqualifying the positive

Question 40

How do holistic approaches complement traditional treatments for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

They target underlying factors that contribute to anxiety, promoting long-term well-being.

Answer

They offer alternative medications.

Answer

They can fully substitute traditional treatments.

Question 41

Why is it essential to create a safe and nonjudgmental environment for individuals with anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Lessens feelings of shame and guilt linked to anxiety symptoms

Accepted Answer

Builds trust and rapport, paving the way for therapeutic progress

Answer

Hinders individuals from seeking necessary support and treatment

Question 42

How can holistic approaches complement traditional treatments in managing anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Promoting relaxation techniques to enhance sleep quality

Answer

Adjusting the dosage of prescribed medications

Answer

Replacing psychotherapy with solely holistic interventions

Answer

Completely eliminating caffeine consumption

Question 43

In the treatment of anxiety disorders, which mechanism of action primarily contributes to the effectiveness of benzodiazepines?

Accepted Answer

Enhancing GABA release

Answer

Inhibiting serotonin reuptake

Answer

Blocking dopamine receptors

Question 44

Which of the following is NOT a typical symptom of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?

Accepted Answer

Panic attacks

Answer

Muscle tension

Answer

Difficulty concentrating

Answer

Excessive worry

Question 45

Which anxiety disorder is characterized by intense fear of a specific object or situation?

Accepted Answer

Phobia

Answer

Social anxiety disorder

Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Answer

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Question 46

Which of the following is considered a first-line treatment approach for anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Answer

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Answer

Mood stabilizers

Answer

Antipsychotics

Question 47

What behavioral pattern is commonly observed in individuals with anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Avoidance behaviors

Answer

Impulsivity

Answer

Disorganized thinking

Answer

Grandiosity

Question 48

What is the primary goal of graded exposure therapy?

Accepted Answer

To gradually confront feared stimuli or situations

Answer

To build relaxation skills

Answer

To change negative thought patterns

Answer

To reduce physiological symptoms of anxiety

Question 49

Which anxiety disorder is characterized by recurring intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors?

Accepted Answer

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Answer

Panic disorder

Answer

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Answer

Social phobia

Question 50

What is the role of medication in the treatment of anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

To supplement other therapies and manage severe symptoms

Answer

To cure anxiety disorders completely

Answer

To be the sole treatment for anxiety disorders

Question 51

Which of the following is an essential nursing intervention for patients with anxiety disorders?

Accepted Answer

Providing education and support to the patient and their family

Answer

Confronting the patient about their anxious thoughts

Answer

Isolating the patient from potential triggers