The assessment of a client undergoing testing for an anxiety disorder

The assessment of a client undergoing testing for an anxiety disorder reveals an increased heart rate, an increased respiratory rate, a low-normal hematocrit, and a low blood sugar.

Which finding is contrary to what could be explained by a normal response to anxiety?
1. The heart rate
2. The respiratory rate
3. The hematocrit
4. The blood sugar

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: The normal response to anxiety is increased heart rate.
Rationale 2: The normal response to anxiety is an increased rate and depth of respirations.
Rationale 3: The normal response to anxiety is the retention of sodium and water, which might be reflected in a low-normal hematocrit due to increased blood volume.
Rationale 4: The blood sugar generally increases because of the release of glucocorticoids and gluconeogenesis.