NCLEX-RNPsychosocial IntegrityMedium
A client with a history of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) reports feeling overwhelmed and unable to concentrate due to constant worry about their job, finances, and family. The client states, 'I just can't stop thinking about all the bad things that could happen.' Which therapeutic technique would be most beneficial for the nurse to teach this client?
- AExposure therapy to confront feared situations.
- BSystematic desensitization for phobias.
- CFlooding to rapidly reduce anxiety responses.
- DCognitive restructuring to identify and challenge negative thoughts.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Cognitive restructuring to identify and challenge negative thoughts.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by persistent and excessive worry. Cognitive restructuring is a core component of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and directly addresses this by teaching clients to identify and challenge their irrational or negative thought patterns, replacing them with more realistic ones.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Exposure therapy is generally used for phobias, panic disorder with agoraphobia, or PTSD, not the diffuse worry of GAD.
- B. Systematic desensitization is primarily used for phobias, not generalized anxiety.
- C. Flooding is an intense form of exposure therapy, typically used for phobias, and would likely be too overwhelming for a client with GAD.
Cognitive Restructuring for GAD
Cognitive restructuring is a therapeutic technique used in CBT to help clients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder identify, evaluate, and modify dysfunctional or distorted thought patterns that contribute to excessive worry.
- Targets irrational thoughts.
- Helps replace negative thoughts with realistic ones.
- Core component of CBT for GAD.
Memory trick: Challenge Thoughts, Change Worry.