Anxiety Disorders and Nursing Interventions
Anxiety ranges from mild to panic level. Nurses assess anxiety severity and use calming, supportive interventions appropriate to the level.
Practice Anxiety Disorders with PassMate AI →Key Points to Know
What you must know about Anxiety Disorders
Levels of anxiety: mild, moderate, severe, and panic.
Mild anxiety can enhance learning and problem-solving; panic severely impairs functioning.
As anxiety rises, the perceptual field narrows and the ability to focus decreases.
For severe anxiety/panic, stay with the patient, remain calm, and use short, simple statements.
Provide a calm, safe, low-stimulation environment for the anxious patient.
Teach relaxation techniques such as deep breathing for ongoing anxiety management.
NMCN Exam Tips
How this topic appears in the NMCN exam
For panic-level anxiety, "stay with the patient" is the priority nursing action.
Use short, simple sentences with a severely anxious patient.
Mild anxiety can improve learning; panic impairs it.
Reduce environmental stimulation for the anxious patient.
Practice Question
Test yourself
A patient is experiencing a panic attack with rapid breathing and an inability to focus. The priority nursing intervention is to:
Explanation
During a panic attack, the nurse should remain with the patient, stay calm, and use short, simple statements in a low-stimulation environment. The patient cannot process complex information or be left alone when panic-level anxiety impairs functioning.
Want more practice questions on Anxiety Disorders? Practice with PassMate →
Related topics to study
Defence Mechanisms
Defence mechanisms are unconscious strategies the ego uses to manage anxiety. Nurses recognise these...
Mental Status Examination
The mental status examination systematically assesses a patient's psychological functioning, forming...
Master Anxiety Disorders with AI
Ask PassMate unlimited questions about this topic. Real NMCN past questions, instant explanations, available 24/7.
Start Practicing Now →