NURS 222: ANXIETY DISORDERS &
STRESS RESPONSE - ADVANCED QUIZ
2027
1. A patient experiencing severe anxiety is most likely to exhibit which of the following
clinical manifestations?
A. Narrowed perceptual field and difficulty focusing on the environment
B. Heightened perception and increased awareness of surroundings
C. Ability to solve problems effectively using logical reasoning
D. Complete loss of contact with reality and hallucinations
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In severe anxiety, the perceptual field is significantly narrowed.
The person focuses on one detail or many scattered details and has much difficulty noticing
what is occurring in the environment.
2. Which neurotransmitter system is primarily targeted by benzodiazepines to produce an
anxiolytic effect?
A. Potentiating the inhibitory effects of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
,B. Increasing Dopamine levels in the reward pathway
C. Blocking the reuptake of Serotonin at the synaptic cleft
D. Stimulating Norepinephrine release from the locus coeruleus
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effect of the
neurotransmitter GABA, which is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central
nervous system, leading to a calming effect.
3. A nurse is caring for a client having a panic attack. Which nursing intervention is the
priority?
A. Stay with the client and remain calm while using short, simple sentences
B. Teach the client new relaxation techniques immediately
C. Encourage the client to describe their feelings in detail
D. Leave the client alone to allow for private space to calm down
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: During a panic attack, the priority is safety and reducing stimuli.
Staying with the client provides a sense of security, and simple communication is necessary
because the client cannot process complex information.
, 4. A patient with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) performs a hand-washing ritual for 15
minutes every hour. What is the primary purpose of this ritual?
A. To gain attention from nursing staff and peers
B. To achieve a sense of euphoria or pleasure
C. To demonstrate superior hygiene habits
D. To temporarily reduce the anxiety associated with obsessive thoughts
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that the
individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rules that
must be applied rigidly to reduce distress.
5. A client is prescribed Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Which
statement by the client indicates an understanding of the medication teaching?
A. It may take 2 to 4 weeks or longer for this medication to reach full effectiveness
B. I should see the full effects of this medicine within 1 to 2 days
C. I can stop taking this medication as soon as I feel better
D. I should take this medication only when I feel a surge in anxiety
Answer: A
STRESS RESPONSE - ADVANCED QUIZ
2027
1. A patient experiencing severe anxiety is most likely to exhibit which of the following
clinical manifestations?
A. Narrowed perceptual field and difficulty focusing on the environment
B. Heightened perception and increased awareness of surroundings
C. Ability to solve problems effectively using logical reasoning
D. Complete loss of contact with reality and hallucinations
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In severe anxiety, the perceptual field is significantly narrowed.
The person focuses on one detail or many scattered details and has much difficulty noticing
what is occurring in the environment.
2. Which neurotransmitter system is primarily targeted by benzodiazepines to produce an
anxiolytic effect?
A. Potentiating the inhibitory effects of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
,B. Increasing Dopamine levels in the reward pathway
C. Blocking the reuptake of Serotonin at the synaptic cleft
D. Stimulating Norepinephrine release from the locus coeruleus
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effect of the
neurotransmitter GABA, which is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central
nervous system, leading to a calming effect.
3. A nurse is caring for a client having a panic attack. Which nursing intervention is the
priority?
A. Stay with the client and remain calm while using short, simple sentences
B. Teach the client new relaxation techniques immediately
C. Encourage the client to describe their feelings in detail
D. Leave the client alone to allow for private space to calm down
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: During a panic attack, the priority is safety and reducing stimuli.
Staying with the client provides a sense of security, and simple communication is necessary
because the client cannot process complex information.
, 4. A patient with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) performs a hand-washing ritual for 15
minutes every hour. What is the primary purpose of this ritual?
A. To gain attention from nursing staff and peers
B. To achieve a sense of euphoria or pleasure
C. To demonstrate superior hygiene habits
D. To temporarily reduce the anxiety associated with obsessive thoughts
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that the
individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rules that
must be applied rigidly to reduce distress.
5. A client is prescribed Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Which
statement by the client indicates an understanding of the medication teaching?
A. It may take 2 to 4 weeks or longer for this medication to reach full effectiveness
B. I should see the full effects of this medicine within 1 to 2 days
C. I can stop taking this medication as soon as I feel better
D. I should take this medication only when I feel a surge in anxiety
Answer: A