Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

To assess a newly admitted client with a panic disorder's attention, what should the nurse ask?

1. Count backward from 100 by 7s

2. Add 3s to 20

3. Subtract 3s from 20 without a pencil

4. Spell "WORLD" backward

The correct answer is: Subtract 3s from 20 without a pencil

To assess a newly admitted client with a panic disorder's attention, asking the individual to subtract 3s from 20 without a pencil is an effective method. This task requires the client to engage in mental math, which not only evaluates their ability to concentrate and focus but also challenges their cognitive processing under potential stress. The demand to perform the subtraction mentally, rather than with a writing tool, increases the complexity of the task and further tests their attentional capacity. In the context of assessing attention in someone with a panic disorder, the goal is to gauge how well the client can maintain focus amidst anxiety. This task provides insight into their attention span and ability to process information under pressure, which is particularly relevant considering the nature of panic disorders that can affect cognitive functions during anxiety episodes. Other tasks may be valid for assessing attention as well, but they may not provide as much insight into the client's mental state or cognitive function in a high-pressure scenario. This is why this approach is particularly suitable for understanding the specific challenges that clients with panic disorders may experience.