A patient had five emergency room visits in the past month and reports, "I feel so nervous
I think I'm having heart attacks." The patient is diagnosed with panic attacks. Which comment by the nurse shows understanding of treatment for panic attacks?
a. "SSRI antidepressants are often helpful for long-term treatment and prevention of panic attacks."
b. "Benzodiazepine tranquilizers are therapeutic for long-term treatment and prevention of panic attacks."
c. "No medications are particularly helpful for panic attacks. Let's work on some strategies to help you manage your fears."
d. "Panic attacks result from an instability of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Meditation will be more helpful than drugs."
A
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are approved for panic disorder and might be the most effective and safest agents for prophylaxis and long-term treatment. Benzodiazepines are effective during a panic attack but should not be used for long-term treatment because of the abuse and dependence potentials. It's important that the nurse show compassion for the patient's distress. Meditation may help overall, but not during panic attacks.
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