Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

When a client experiencing a panic attack exhibits selective inattention, what is their anxiety level likely to be?

1. Low

2. Moderate

3. High

4. Severe

The correct answer is: Moderate

When a client experiencing a panic attack exhibits selective inattention, their anxiety level is likely to be assessed as high. Selective inattention refers to a state where the individual focuses on specific stimuli while ignoring others, often as a means of coping with overwhelming anxiety. During a panic attack, the intensity of anxiety can be so severe that it leads to a narrowed focus, which is characteristic of high levels of anxiety. In the context of anxiety disorders, particularly panic attacks, the physiological and psychological responses can overwhelm a person. The ability to focus narrowly on certain stimuli is the mind's way of attempting to manage distressing feelings, which is why recognizing this behavior correlates with heightened anxiety levels rather than moderate or low anxiety. Understanding the relationship between selective inattention and anxiety enables nurses to provide better care and tailored interventions for individuals in such states.