Question

A nurse is teaching a client who has agoraphobia about systematic desensitization. Which of the following comments should the nurse include in the teaching?

a. "You will watch from a secure location as your therapist goes to public spaces."
b. "You will start by staying in a public space until your anxiety decreases."
c. "You will be instructed to say 'stop!' out loud when you become anxious in public spaces."
d. "You will slowly be exposed to increasing levels of public spaces."

Answer 1

The correct teaching statement for systematic desensitization is that the client will be gradually exposed to increasing levels of public spaces. Desensitization therapy is aimed at reducing sensitivity to phobias through controlled exposure, and epinephrine is used in treating hypersensitivity reactions by managing symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

When teaching a client who has agoraphobia about systematic desensitization, the nurse should include the following comment in the teaching: "You will slowly be exposed to increasing levels of public spaces." Systematic desensitization is a gradual process where clients confront their feared objects, situations, or activities in a structured way, starting with situations that are least anxiety-provoking and moving towards more challenging scenarios as they become more comfortable.

Desensitization therapy is a cognitive-behavioral technique used to help individuals overcome phobias and anxiety disorders. It involves exposure to the feared stimulus in a controlled setting, where the person can learn to become less sensitive over time.

Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, plays a significant role in treating hypersensitivity reactions, such as anaphylaxis, by constricting blood vessels, relaxing airway muscles, and reducing swelling and hives.