A patient comes to the emergency department complaining of headache, palpitations, nausea, and dizziness. After determining that the patient is anxious, the nurse notes tachycardia and trembling. Which level of anxiety is this patient exhibiting?
a. Mild
b. Moderate
c. Severe
d. Panic
Question 2
The nurse is assessing a patient admitted with a newly diagnosed bleeding duodenal ulcer. He is exhibiting physiological signs of anxiety and seems to have difficulty concentrating.
During the interview, the patient tells the nurse that he is often short of breath and says, I lie awake nights worrying about everything. He has been unable to work or care for his family for the past 6 months. What is the nurse's priority after documenting this information in the nurses' notes?
a. Provide emotional support for the patient using reflective listening technique.
b. Do nothing; people with duodenal ulcers typically cannot work.
c. Question the patient's family about the information received from the patient.
d. Notify the primary care provider and ask for a referral to a mental health professional.