A 25-year-old college student reports that when she must take an exam, she experiences inability to problem solve, urinary frequency, rapid heartbeat, and respirations. The nurse suspects that she experiences:

Choice A reason: Schizophrenia involves psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, not exam-related anxiety. Choice B reason: Severe anxiety attacks would cause inability to function, extreme fear, and possible panic symptoms. The client’s symptoms are consistent with moderate anxiety. Choice C reason: Moderate anxiety causes physical symptoms such as tachycardia, urinary frequency, and impaired problem-solving. The client remains functional but with difficulty. Choice D reason: Attention-seeking behavior is not supported by the clinical description. The symptoms are genuine manifestations of anxiety.