A woman was abducted and raped at gunpoint by an unknown assailant. When found she was

Question

confused and disoriented. The nurse makes the following observations about the client.

She is
talking rapidly in disjointed phrases, is unable to concentrate, and is indecisive when asked to make
simple decisions. The client's level of anxiety can be assessed as
a. severe.
b. moderate.
c. mild.
d. nonexistent.

Answer 1

A
Acute anxiety results from the personal threat to the victim's safety and security. In this case, the
client's symptoms of rapid, dissociated speech, inability to concentrate, and indecisiveness indicate
severe anxiety. Options B and C: Mild and moderate levels of anxiety would allow the client to
function at a higher level.