A nurse assesses a client with a tentative diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder. Which question would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask?

Choice A reason: This question is more relevant to assessing for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or acute stress reactions, not generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Choice B reason: Difficulty controlling worry is a core diagnostic criterion for GAD. According to validated tools like the GAD-7, persistent and uncontrollable worry is a hallmark feature, making this the most appropriate and targeted question. Choice C reason: Repetitive behaviors suggest obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), not GAD. While anxiety may be present in both, the symptom profile differs significantly. Choice D reason: Discomfort in social situations is more indicative of social anxiety disorder. GAD involves pervasive worry across multiple domains, not just social interactions.