Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

When preparing a presentation on anxiety disorders, what crucial point should a nurse stress about clients with panic disorder?

1. They enjoy social activities

2. They require no medical intervention

3. They may believe they are having a heart attack during attacks

4. They usually have no history of anxiety

The correct answer is: They may believe they are having a heart attack during attacks

Clients with panic disorder often experience episodes that can be intensely frightening, leading them to believe they are experiencing a heart attack. This is essential to stress in a presentation since the physical symptoms of a panic attack—such as chest pain, heart palpitations, breathlessness, and dizziness—can mimic those of a cardiac event. Understanding this aspect helps to validate the clients' experiences and emphasizes the importance of immediate support and appropriate intervention during a panic attack episode. Highlighting this point also aids in increasing awareness among caregivers and healthcare professionals about the challenges faced by clients with panic disorder. By recognizing that their symptoms can be mistakenly interpreted as life-threatening, nurses can foster more empathic communication and encourage seeking help more effectively, while also reducing stigma and misunderstanding surrounding mental health disorders.