A patient with chronic anxiety has been learning to manage stress with progressive relaxation therapy. He tells the nurse, “I just don’t think this is working. I feel the muscle tension so much worse now.” Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

“You are likely experiencing more tension because you are more aware of it now. Over time, this will improve.”. Progressive relaxation therapy involves tensing and relaxing muscle groups in an ordered fashion while deep breathing. It can make individuals more keenly aware of the tension that has already been present but does not cause more tension. The nurse tells the patient that it will subside over time. Although the nurse can talk to the patient about the stressors, this doesn’t address the patient’s concern. Passive relaxation, not progressive relaxation, involves picturing a warm feeling passing through the body. Changing the starting point of the progressive relaxation does not address the patient’s concerns.

A patient with chronic anxiety has been learning to manage stress...

Category: Basic Care and Comfort
Difficulty: 6

Topics: Communication & Documentation

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