Q.1 Which of the following is the primary goal of nursing management for patients with anxiety disorders?
To completely eliminate anxiety
To help the patient manage and reduce anxiety symptoms
To prescribe medications without monitoring
To avoid discussing anxiety triggers
Explanation - The main goal of nursing care for anxiety disorders is to help patients manage symptoms effectively, rather than completely eliminate anxiety, which may not be realistic.
Correct answer is: To help the patient manage and reduce anxiety symptoms
Q.2 A patient with generalized anxiety disorder reports feeling restless and fatigued. What is an appropriate nursing intervention?
Encourage the patient to rest and relax regularly
Avoid discussing their feelings
Administer stimulant medications
Isolate the patient from social interactions
Explanation - Rest and relaxation techniques help reduce anxiety and physical symptoms such as fatigue and restlessness.
Correct answer is: Encourage the patient to rest and relax regularly
Q.3 Which breathing technique is commonly taught by nurses to patients experiencing acute anxiety?
Rapid shallow breathing
Diaphragmatic (deep) breathing
Holding breath for long periods
Hyperventilation
Explanation - Deep breathing helps reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, promoting relaxation and control over panic responses.
Correct answer is: Diaphragmatic (deep) breathing
Q.4 Which of the following medications is often used as first-line treatment for anxiety disorders and may be monitored by nurses?
Benzodiazepines
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
Antipsychotics
Stimulants
Explanation - SSRIs are commonly used as first-line medications for anxiety disorders and require monitoring for therapeutic response and side effects.
Correct answer is: SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
Q.5 A nurse teaches a patient with panic disorder to identify early signs of panic. Which approach is most effective?
Keeping a panic diary
Ignoring the symptoms
Avoiding all social activities
Using alcohol to cope
Explanation - Recording triggers and early signs helps the patient recognize patterns and implement coping strategies before panic escalates.
Correct answer is: Keeping a panic diary
Q.6 During an anxiety attack, which nursing action is most appropriate?
Stay with the patient and provide reassurance
Leave the patient alone to calm down
Encourage rapid movement
Criticize the patient for overreacting
Explanation - Providing support and reassurance helps reduce the patient’s fear and sense of isolation during an acute anxiety episode.
Correct answer is: Stay with the patient and provide reassurance
Q.7 Which complementary therapy can nurses suggest to patients with mild anxiety?
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy
Deep brain stimulation
High-dose antipsychotics
Explanation - CBT is an evidence-based non-pharmacological intervention effective in reducing anxiety symptoms.
Correct answer is: Cognitive behavioral therapy
Q.8 A patient with social anxiety disorder avoids public speaking. Which nursing intervention is appropriate?
Gradual exposure to speaking situations
Immediate forced participation
Complete avoidance reinforcement
Criticism for fear
Explanation - Gradual exposure helps the patient build confidence and reduce anxiety without overwhelming them.
Correct answer is: Gradual exposure to speaking situations
Q.9 Which assessment tool can nurses use to quantify the severity of a patient’s anxiety?
Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A)
Beck Depression Inventory
Mini-Mental State Exam
Glasgow Coma Scale
Explanation - HAM-A is a standardized tool used to assess and monitor the severity of anxiety symptoms.
Correct answer is: Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A)
Q.10 A nurse teaches relaxation techniques to a patient with anxiety. Which statement indicates understanding?
I will use slow, deep breaths when I feel anxious
I should hold my breath when anxious
I must avoid relaxation techniques
I need to increase physical tension to reduce anxiety
Explanation - Slow, deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing physiological anxiety symptoms.
Correct answer is: I will use slow, deep breaths when I feel anxious
Q.11 Which lifestyle modification can nurses recommend to reduce anxiety symptoms?
Regular physical exercise
Increased caffeine intake
Sleep deprivation
Isolation from friends
Explanation - Exercise promotes endorphin release and reduces stress, improving mood and anxiety management.
Correct answer is: Regular physical exercise
Q.12 In managing generalized anxiety disorder, a nurse notes excessive worrying. Which cognitive technique is appropriate?
Thought stopping and restructuring
Encouraging avoidance of worries
Punishing anxious thoughts
Ignoring cognitive patterns
Explanation - Cognitive techniques help patients challenge irrational thoughts and reduce persistent worry.
Correct answer is: Thought stopping and restructuring
Q.13 A patient asks why benzodiazepines are prescribed only short-term for anxiety. What should the nurse explain?
They can cause dependency and tolerance
They cure anxiety permanently
They have no side effects
They increase alertness over time
Explanation - Benzodiazepines are effective short-term but can lead to dependence and tolerance with long-term use.
Correct answer is: They can cause dependency and tolerance
Q.14 Which symptom indicates improvement in a patient with panic disorder after nursing intervention?
Reduced frequency and intensity of panic episodes
Increased heart palpitations
Avoidance of all social contact
Heightened fear response
Explanation - Improvement is shown by a reduction in the number and severity of panic attacks and better coping strategies.
Correct answer is: Reduced frequency and intensity of panic episodes
Q.15 Which patient statement shows effective anxiety management?
I use deep breathing and mindfulness when I feel anxious
I avoid all responsibilities because of anxiety
I rely only on alcohol to cope
I do nothing to manage anxiety
Explanation - Active coping strategies such as mindfulness and deep breathing reflect effective anxiety management.
Correct answer is: I use deep breathing and mindfulness when I feel anxious
Q.16 Which is a priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing acute anxiety?
Ensure patient safety and provide reassurance
Ask the patient to perform complex tasks
Encourage avoidance of all triggers
Leave the patient alone until symptoms pass
Explanation - Safety and reassurance are the top priorities during acute anxiety to prevent harm and reduce distress.
Correct answer is: Ensure patient safety and provide reassurance
Q.17 A patient with social phobia is scheduled for a group therapy session. What is an appropriate nursing preparation?
Discuss expectations and coping strategies
Force participation without explanation
Avoid discussing social interactions
Leave the patient unprepared
Explanation - Preparation helps reduce anticipatory anxiety and promotes active participation in therapy.
Correct answer is: Discuss expectations and coping strategies
Q.18 Which factor should nurses assess as a potential trigger for a patient’s anxiety?
Stressful life events
Favorite hobbies
Regular exercise routines
Positive social interactions
Explanation - Stressful events often precipitate or worsen anxiety episodes and should be assessed for individualized care planning.
Correct answer is: Stressful life events
Q.19 Which statement indicates a patient understands panic disorder management?
I will use relaxation techniques and identify triggers
I will avoid all activities forever
I will increase caffeine when anxious
I will ignore early warning signs
Explanation - Recognizing triggers and using relaxation strategies are essential self-management skills for panic disorder.
Correct answer is: I will use relaxation techniques and identify triggers
Q.20 Which nursing intervention helps patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder reduce anxiety?
Gradual exposure and response prevention
Encouraging rituals
Avoiding discussion of obsessions
Restricting all social contact
Explanation - Exposure and response prevention is evidence-based and helps patients manage obsessions without compulsive behaviors.
Correct answer is: Gradual exposure and response prevention
Q.21 Which teaching point should a nurse provide for a patient on SSRIs for anxiety?
Improvement may take several weeks
The medication works immediately
No side effects are possible
You can stop medication suddenly
Explanation - SSRIs take time to show therapeutic effects; patients should be informed to set realistic expectations.
Correct answer is: Improvement may take several weeks
Q.22 A patient with anxiety reports muscle tension and headaches. Which non-pharmacological intervention can nurses suggest?
Progressive muscle relaxation
Ignoring the symptoms
High-intensity exercise only
Caffeine intake increase
Explanation - Progressive muscle relaxation reduces physical tension and helps manage anxiety symptoms.
Correct answer is: Progressive muscle relaxation
Q.23 Which action demonstrates patient-centered care in anxiety management?
Individualized care planning based on triggers and coping skills
Using the same intervention for all patients
Ignoring patient preferences
Discouraging patient input
Explanation - Patient-centered care tailors interventions to the individual’s specific needs, triggers, and coping abilities.
Correct answer is: Individualized care planning based on triggers and coping skills
Q.24 A patient asks how cognitive behavioral therapy helps anxiety. How should a nurse respond?
It helps patients identify and change negative thought patterns
It increases anxiety to build tolerance
It eliminates the need for medications
It encourages avoidance of anxiety triggers
Explanation - CBT focuses on identifying distorted thoughts and developing healthier coping strategies to reduce anxiety.
Correct answer is: It helps patients identify and change negative thought patterns