NCLEX-PN® ExaminationPsychosocial IntegrityMedium
A practical nurse is reviewing the care plan for a client with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The client frequently expresses excessive worry about various aspects of life, leading to difficulty concentrating and sleep disturbances. Which of the following interventions would be most appropriate for the practical nurse to implement?
- AEncourage the client to avoid situations that trigger anxiety.
- BTeach the client progressive muscle relaxation techniques.
- CSuggest that the client focus on positive affirmations only.
- DChallenge the client's anxious thoughts directly.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Teach the client progressive muscle relaxation techniques.
Progressive muscle relaxation is an effective behavioral intervention for GAD. It helps clients learn to identify and reduce physical tension associated with anxiety, providing a concrete coping skill to manage symptoms like difficulty concentrating and sleep disturbances.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Avoiding triggers can reinforce anxiety and prevent the client from developing coping skills, which is counterproductive for GAD.
- C. While positive affirmations can be part of a coping strategy, relying solely on them without addressing the underlying worry or providing concrete relaxation techniques is often insufficient for GAD.
- D. Directly challenging anxious thoughts is a cognitive behavioral therapy technique, but it requires specific training and is often done by a therapist; the practical nurse's role is typically supportive and skill-building.
GAD Behavioral Intervention: Progressive Muscle Relaxation
Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is a technique where clients systematically tense and then relax different muscle groups to become aware of and reduce physical tension associated with anxiety.
- Teaches body awareness and control over tension.
- Effective for reducing physical symptoms of anxiety (e.g., muscle tension, sleep issues).
- Can be easily learned and practiced independently.
Memory trick: Relax Your Muscles, Retrain Your Mind, Plan Your Day.