Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

A patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) commonly feels which of the following?

1. Anxiety and nervousness

2. Demoralized and hopeless

3. Excessive happiness and excitement

4. A sense of calm and relaxation

The correct answer is: Demoralized and hopeless

The most common feelings experienced by a patient with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) include anxiety and nervousness, which are hallmark symptoms of the condition. Individuals with GAD often find themselves in a state of persistent worry about various aspects of life, including health, finances, or social interactions. This chronic worry is often accompanied by physical symptoms like restlessness or muscle tension, which contribute to feelings of anxiety and nervousness. While feelings of demoralization and hopelessness could occur in conjunction with anxiety disorders, they are more characteristic of depression rather than GAD specifically. Excessive happiness and excitement are not typical in GAD patients, who instead struggle with overwhelming distress and tension. Similarly, a sense of calm and relaxation contrasts sharply with the experience of someone dealing with generalized anxiety, as their mental state is marked by upheaval and unease. Therefore, the correct answer directly aligns with the characteristic symptoms of anxiety, reflecting a key understanding of GAD in clinical practice, essential for a Registered Practical Nurse to recognize.