Module 5 Discussion: Therapeutic Interventions For Client Wi

Module 5 Discussion Therapeutic Interventions For Client With Severe A

Describe a client from your clinical setting or work who experienced severe anxiety or panic. Include a brief history and three most pertinent medications. Describe the assessment process for this patient. Identify at least one effective and one non-effective nursing intervention. Why did they work? What didn't work? Name and describe two stress reduction techniques you have used and whether they were helpful or not in reducing stress.

Paper For Above instruction

Severe anxiety and panic disorders are prevalent issues encountered in clinical settings, often requiring nuanced assessment and tailored interventions to ensure patient safety and well-being. This paper presents a case study of a client experiencing severe panic attacks, discusses the assessment processes, evaluates nursing interventions, and explores stress reduction techniques to highlight effective management strategies.

Case Description: The client, a 35-year-old female, was admitted to the emergency department after experiencing a series of intense panic attacks. She reported a history of generalized anxiety disorder diagnosed five years prior, with recent exacerbation triggered by work-related stress and personal conflicts. Her medical history includes hypertension, managed with medication. She reported her panic symptoms as sudden onset of chest tightness, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a pervasive fear of losing control or dying. She was prescribed Sertraline (an SSRI), Alprazolam (a benzodiazepine for acute panic episodes), and propranolol for physical symptom management.

Assessment Process: The assessment of this client involved a comprehensive mental status examination, vital signs monitoring, and a review of her medical and psychiatric history. Clinicians evaluated her symptom frequency, triggers, and impact on daily functioning. Use of standardized tools such as the Panic Disorder Severity Scale aided in quantifying her anxiety levels. Additionally, assessing her coping mechanisms, support system, and medication adherence provided a holistic understanding of her condition. During this process, it was crucial to differentiate between medical causes of her symptoms (e.g., cardiac issues) and psychological origins. Laboratory evaluations, including cardiac enzymes and thyroid function tests, were performed to rule out somatic causes of her symptoms.

Effective Nursing Intervention: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) was identified as an effective intervention. CBT works by helping the client identify and challenge maladaptive thoughts that trigger panic symptoms and develop healthier coping skills. In this case, her participation in CBT was associated with reduced frequency and severity of panic attacks because it empowered her to manage triggers proactively and reframe catastrophic thinking.

Non-effective Nursing Intervention: Reassurance alone proved ineffective. Although providing reassurance is a common initial response, over-reliance on it may diminish the client’s sense of autonomy and competence. In this case, constant reassurance without additional coping strategies did not significantly reduce her anxiety levels and sometimes heightened her dependency on nurses for reassurance, which did not promote long-term self-management.

Stress Reduction Techniques: Two techniques used included deep breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation. Deep breathing helped some patients by inducing parasympathetic nervous system activation, thereby decreasing physiological arousal during panic episodes. In this case, the client found deep breathing helpful for immediate symptom relief. Progressive muscle relaxation involved tensing and relaxing muscle groups systematically, which was useful in reducing overall stress when practiced regularly. Both techniques were beneficial in providing her with self-regulation tools, contributing to decreased anxiety frequency over time.

Conclusion: Managing severe anxiety and panic requires an integrated approach combining pharmacologic treatment, psychotherapeutic interventions like CBT, and stress management techniques. Recognizing which strategies are effective and which are not allows nurses to tailor care for optimal outcomes. Non-pharmacologic techniques such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation offer valuable self-help tools, empowering clients to manage anxiety symptoms independently. Continuous assessment and patient education remain pivotal in promoting long-term recovery.

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