Question

A nurse is obtaining informed consent for a client who has just learned she mus have a breat biopsy. The client is perspiring and pale, has a respiratory rate of 30/min, and says, "I don't quite understand what you're trying to tell me." The nurse should assess the client' s anxiety as which of the following?

A. Mild
B. Moderate
C. Sever
D. Panic

ATI RN Mental Health Nursing Modules Ch. 4 Application Exercises

Answer 1

A nurse is obtaining informed consent for a client who has just learned she mus have a breat biopsy, the nurse should assess the client's anxiety as B. Moderate.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client's symptoms of perspiring, pale skin, increased respiratory rate, and difficulty understanding indicate a moderate level of anxiety. These symptoms indicate that the client is experiencing increased physiological arousal and difficulty processing information.

The client's respiratory rate of 30/min is higher than the normal range of 12-20/min, indicating a stress response. The client's statement of not understanding what is being communicated further supports the presence of anxiety. However, the client's symptoms do not reach the severity of severe anxiety (option C) or panic (option D). Therefore the correct answer is B. Moderate.