Prepare for your Texas CNA exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with detailed hints and explanations. Ace your test with confidence!

Practice this question and more.


What term describes an intense, irrational fear of or anxiety about an object, place, or situation?

  1. Depression

  2. Phobia

  3. OCD

  4. Trauma

The correct answer is: Phobia

The term that describes an intense, irrational fear of or anxiety about an object, place, or situation is phobia. Phobias are classified as anxiety disorders and are characterized by overwhelming and excessive fear that is disproportionate to the actual threat posed by the feared object or situation. For instance, someone with a phobia of spiders might experience extreme anxiety at the mere sight of a picture of a spider, even though it poses no real danger. Phobias can lead to avoidance behavior, causing individuals to go to great lengths to avoid the object of their fear, which can significantly impact their daily lives. Understanding this term is crucial for nursing assistants, as they may encounter patients with various phobias, necessitating sensitivity and appropriate responses to help them cope with their fears during care.