1. A 28-year-old female patient arrives at the emergency department with sudden onset of chest pain, palpitations, trembling, and a feeling of impending doom. She states, “I feel like I’m dying.” Vital signs show BP 150/95 mmHg, HR 120 bpm, RR 28 cpm. Physical examination and ECG reveal no cardiac abnormalities. What is the priority nursing intervention?

2. A patient diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) tells the nurse, “I can’t stop worrying about everything—my health, my job, my family. I feel tense all the time.” Which assessment finding would the nurse most likely observe in this patient?

3. The nurse is caring for a patient with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) who repeatedly washes his hands for 30 minutes at a time. What is the most therapeutic nursing approach?

4. A 35-year-old male patient with Social Anxiety Disorder is scheduled to attend group therapy. He tells the nurse, “I can’t go. Everyone will judge me and think I’m stupid.” Which cognitive distortion is the patient exhibiting?

5.What is the drug of choice for long-term management of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

6. A patient with PTSD suddenly becomes agitated and states, “Get away from me! They’re coming to hurt me again!” while staring at the corner of the room. What is the most appropriate initial nursing action?

7. During a panic attack, a patient begins to hyperventilate. The nurse observes carpopedal spasm and perioral numbness. What acid-base imbalance is the patient most likely experiencing?

8. A nurse is developing a care plan for a patient with panic disorder. Which nursing diagnosis should be given the highest priority?

9. A patient with agoraphobia refuses to leave her house to attend medical appointments. Which statement by the nurse demonstrates the best understanding of this condition?

10. A patient with OCD spends 4 hours daily checking door locks and appliances. Which medication classification would the nurse expect to be most effective for this patient?

11. The nurse is teaching a patient with anxiety disorder about relaxation techniques. Which technique involves systematically tensing and relaxing muscle groups to reduce physical tension?

12. A 40-year-old patient is diagnosed with Specific Phobia (fear of flying). She has an important business trip scheduled and asks the nurse about treatment options. What is the most effective evidence-based treatment for specific phobias?

13. A patient taking buspirone for anxiety asks the nurse, “When will this medication start working? I still feel anxious.” What is the most accurate response?

14. During assessment, a patient reports intrusive thoughts about contamination and feels compelled to clean repeatedly. She states, “I know it’s excessive, but I can’t stop.” This statement best indicates which level of insight?

15. A patient with PTSD is prescribed prazosin. The nurse understands this medication is primarily used to address which symptom?

16. A nurse is caring for a patient experiencing severe anxiety. The patient is pacing rapidly and states, “Something terrible is going to happen!” The patient’s pupils are dilated and he is sweating profusely. According to Peplau’s levels of anxiety, what level is this patient experiencing?

17. A patient with Social Anxiety Disorder is started on paroxetine. Which side effect should the nurse prioritize in patient education due to its potential impact on the patient’s primary concern?

18. What defense mechanism is primarily operating when a patient with PTSD cannot remember details of the traumatic event?

19. A patient with panic disorder states, “I avoid going to the mall because I had a panic attack there once, and I’m afraid it will happen again.” This statement best describes which concept?

20. The nurse is planning care for a patient with acute stress disorder following a vehicular accident two weeks ago. Which intervention is most appropriate at this time?