NRSG 3200 Unit 5 Anxiety

Anxiety A state of varying degrees of discomfort and uneasiness that is accompanied by responses that serve to protect. Mild Anxiety This level of anxiety is seldom a problem for the individual. It is associated with the tension experienced in response to the events of day-to-day living. It prepares people for action. It sharpens the senses, increases motivation for productivity, increases the perceptual field, and results in a heightened awareness of the environment. Learning is enhanced, and the individual is able to function at his or her optimal level. 00:05 01:14 Moderate Anxiety As the level of anxiety increases, the extent of the perceptual field diminishes. Less alert to events occurring in the environment. Attention span and ability to concentrate decreases. They still attend to needs with direction. Assistance with problem solving may be required. Increased muscular tension and restlessness are evident. Severe Anxiety In this type of anxiety, the perceptual field is so greatly diminished that concentration centers on one particular detail only or on many extraneous details. Attention span is extremely limited. Difficulty completely even the simplest task. Physical symptoms: headache, palpitations, insomnia. Emotional symptoms: confusion, dread, horror. Discomfort is experienced to the degree that virtually all overt behavior is aimed at relieving the anxiety. Panic Anxiety Most intense state of anxiety. It is characterized by intense apprehension, fear, or terror, often associated with feelings of impending doom and accompanied by intense physical discomfort. Common symptoms include: palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, numbness/tingling, etc Generalized Anxiety Disorder Characterized by persistent, unrealistic, and excessive anxiety and worry, which have occurred more days than not for at least 6 months and cannot be attributed to specific organic factors, such as caffeine intoxication or hyperthyroidism. The anxiety and worry are associated with muscle tension, restlessness, or feeling on edge. Features of Generalized Anxiety Disorder Apprehensiveness and irritability Increased fatigue Muscle tension Poor sleep Fatigue and difficulty relaxing Headaches and pain in the neck, shoulders, and back The individual may avoid activities Anxiety and worry often result in procrastination in behavior or decision making They repeatedly seek reassurance from others Depressive symptoms are common Tends to be chronic with stress related exacerbations Psychodynamic Theory for GAD Defects in ego function. Inability of the ego to intervene when conflict occurs between the id and superego, producing anxiety. Cognitive Theory for GAD Fault, counterproductive thinking patterns Biological Aspects for GAD Genetic vulnerability, dysfunction of the limbic system, elevated blood lactate and norepinephrine, low levels of serotonin Nursing Interventions for GAD Provide education to the patient and family. Stay with the patient and offer reassurance, safety, and security. Maintain a non-threatening, matter of fact approach. Use simple words and brief messages spoken calmly and clearly. Assist the patient to slow breathing if they begin hyperventilating. Decrease environmental stimuli (dim lights, few people). Administer medications. Individual Psychotherapy Patients are able to discuss their anxiety and symptoms with a concerned therapist