It is important for the nurse to obtain a thorough history from a patient who is experiencing anxiety. This history will help to distinguish

Question

1. the best method of pharmacotherapy.
2. whether the patient might benefit from individual or group therapy.
3. the category of anxiety disorder.
4. the region of the brain that is causing the anxiety disorder.
5. substances that might worsen anxiety.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1,2,5
Rationale 1: The health care provider must accurately diagnose the anxiety disorder, because treatment differs among the various types of anxiety disorders. Some anxiety disorders are debilitating and require effective pharmacotherapy.
Rationale 2: Some patients benefit from individual or group psychotherapy, which can help them identify and overcome the root causes of their worry and fear.
Rationale 3: A thorough health history is not used to determine the category of anxiety disorder.
Rationale 4: A thorough health history is not used to determine the region of the brain that is causing the anxiety disorder.
Rationale 5: When obtaining a comprehensive medication history during the initial patient assessment, the nurse should observe any substances the patient is taking that might worsen or cause anxiety symptoms. Sometimes discontinuing or substituting an alternate drug for these "anxiety-promoting" medications can lessen patient symptoms.