What would a nurse identify as the primary goal when working with a client experiencing anxiety related to a specific phobia?

The primary goal when working with a client experiencing anxiety related to a specific phobia is to facilitate a gradual exposure to the feared object. This approach is grounded in evidence-based therapeutic techniques, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which has been shown to be effective in treating phobias. Gradual exposure allows the client to confront their fear in a safe and controlled manner, leading to desensitization over time. By progressively facing the feared object or situation, clients can learn that their anxiety may decrease and that they can manage their response to fear.

This method encourages the development of coping strategies, promoting resilience and improved functioning. It fosters an environment where clients can replace their fear responses with more adaptive behaviors, ultimately helping them to regain control over their anxiety.

The other strategies, such as encouraging avoidance or denial, can reinforce the phobia, preventing the individual from addressing their fears, while offering medications may provide temporary relief but do not address the root cause of the phobia. Therefore, facilitating gradual exposure is the most effective and holistic approach for helping clients overcome their anxiety related to specific phobias.