Page 2253 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

2. Use a calm manner.
3. Always remain with the client.
4. Minimize environmental stimuli.
5. Provide clear, simple statements.
6. Use a low-pitched voice.
7. Attend to the physical needs of the client.

8. Provide gross motor activity.

9. Administer antianxiety medications as prescribed.
10. Ensure safety.

II. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
A. Description (Box 65-1)
1. Generalized anxiety disorder is an unrealistic anxiety
about everyday worries that persists more days than
not, over at least 6 months, and is not associated with
another mental health or medical problem.
2. Physical symptoms occur.
B. Assessment
1. Restlessness and inability to relax
2. Episodes of trembling and shakiness
3. Chronic muscular tension
4. Dizziness
5. Inability to concentrate
6. Chronic fatigue and sleep problems
7. Inability to recognize the connection between the
anxiety and physical symptoms

8. Client is focused on the physical discomfort.

C. Unexpected and expected panic attacks
1. Description
a. Most extreme level of anxiety resulting
in disturbed behavior
b. Produces a sudden onset of feelings of
intense apprehension and dread
c. Cause usually cannot be identified.
d. Severe, recurrent, intermittent anxiety
attacks lasting 5 to 30 minutes occur.
2. Assessment
a. Choking sensation
b. Labored breathing
c. Pounding heart
d. Chest pain
e. Dizziness
f. Nausea
g. Blurred vision
h. Numbness or tingling of the extremities

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