NURS 222: ANXIETY DISORDERS &
STRESS RESPONSE - ADVANCED QUIZ
2026
1. A patient experiencing a narrowed perceptual field, increased heart rate, and selective
inattention is demonstrating which level of anxiety?
A. Mild anxiety
B. Moderate anxiety
C. Severe anxiety
D. Panic
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Moderate anxiety involves a narrowed perceptual field where
the person sees, hears, and grasps less information, but can still attend to more if pointed
out. Physical symptoms like increased pulse and respiration are common.
2. According to Hans Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome, which stage is characterized by
the ‘fight or flight’ response?
A. Alarm stage
B. Exhaustion stage
,C. Resistance stage
D. Resolution stage
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The alarm stage is the initial, brief, and adaptive response to a
stressor where the sympathetic nervous system triggers the release of adrenaline.
3. Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for inhibiting the stress response and is
often targeted by benzodiazepines?
A. Dopamine
B. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
C. Acetylcholine
D. Glutamate
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS.
Benzodiazepines enhance the effects of GABA to reduce neuronal excitability and anxiety.
4. A client is admitted to the ED with a heart rate of 120 bpm, chest pain, and a feeling of
impending doom. After ruling out an MI, the nurse suspects:
A. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
B. Conversion Disorder
C. Social Phobia
, D. Panic Attack
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A panic attack is characterized by sudden, intense physical
symptoms like tachycardia and chest pain, often mimicking a heart attack, accompanied by
a fear of dying.
5. Which defense mechanism is a mature response where an individual deals with emotional
stressors by anticipating consequences and considering realistic solutions?
A. Suppression
B. Sublimation
C. Altruism
D. Anticipation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Anticipation is a mature defense mechanism where one plans
for future discomfort or stressful events to mitigate their impact.
6. In treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), why is Buspirone (Buspar) often preferred
over Diazepam (Valium)?
A. It does not cause physical dependence or sedation
B. It works immediately upon administration
C. It provides a stronger sedative effect for sleep
STRESS RESPONSE - ADVANCED QUIZ
2026
1. A patient experiencing a narrowed perceptual field, increased heart rate, and selective
inattention is demonstrating which level of anxiety?
A. Mild anxiety
B. Moderate anxiety
C. Severe anxiety
D. Panic
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Moderate anxiety involves a narrowed perceptual field where
the person sees, hears, and grasps less information, but can still attend to more if pointed
out. Physical symptoms like increased pulse and respiration are common.
2. According to Hans Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome, which stage is characterized by
the ‘fight or flight’ response?
A. Alarm stage
B. Exhaustion stage
,C. Resistance stage
D. Resolution stage
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The alarm stage is the initial, brief, and adaptive response to a
stressor where the sympathetic nervous system triggers the release of adrenaline.
3. Which neurotransmitter is primarily responsible for inhibiting the stress response and is
often targeted by benzodiazepines?
A. Dopamine
B. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
C. Acetylcholine
D. Glutamate
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS.
Benzodiazepines enhance the effects of GABA to reduce neuronal excitability and anxiety.
4. A client is admitted to the ED with a heart rate of 120 bpm, chest pain, and a feeling of
impending doom. After ruling out an MI, the nurse suspects:
A. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
B. Conversion Disorder
C. Social Phobia
, D. Panic Attack
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A panic attack is characterized by sudden, intense physical
symptoms like tachycardia and chest pain, often mimicking a heart attack, accompanied by
a fear of dying.
5. Which defense mechanism is a mature response where an individual deals with emotional
stressors by anticipating consequences and considering realistic solutions?
A. Suppression
B. Sublimation
C. Altruism
D. Anticipation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Anticipation is a mature defense mechanism where one plans
for future discomfort or stressful events to mitigate their impact.
6. In treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), why is Buspirone (Buspar) often preferred
over Diazepam (Valium)?
A. It does not cause physical dependence or sedation
B. It works immediately upon administration
C. It provides a stronger sedative effect for sleep
