A client who is experiencing a severe level of anxiety and reports a racing heartbeat, dizziness, and expresses a sense that something dreadful will happen. The nurse observes the client pacing and waving hands rapidly. Which action should the nurse take?

Speak calmly to the client stating assurance of safety.

Attempt to distract to another focus or activity.

Help the client to identify thoughts that may be triggers.

Explore past behaviors that have provided relief.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale: Speaking calmly and assuring the client of safety is a therapeutic intervention for managing severe anxiety and panic. It helps provide a sense of reassurance and safety to the client during an acute anxious episode.

Choice B rationale: Attempting to distract the client can be helpful in some situations, but in severe anxiety, the focus should initially be on providing a sense of safety and addressing immediate distress.

Choice C rationale: Helping the client identify thoughts is more appropriate during less acute moments or in the context of cognitive-behavioral therapy. In severe anxiety, the immediate focus is on providing support and reassurance.

Choice D rationale: Exploring past behaviors may be part of a comprehensive assessment but is not the first priority during an acute episode of severe anxiety.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale: Waiting for the client to respond allows for a patient-centered approach, respecting the client's pace and giving them the opportunity to express themselves when ready.

Choice B rationale: Assuming the client's ability to hear the question may be accurate, but the client's nonverbal cues suggest a need for patience and a non-coercive approach.

Choice C rationale: Changing the question may not address the client's current feelings and might disrupt the therapeutic process.

Choice D rationale: Returning at a later time might be appropriate if the client continues to be unresponsive, but it is not the initial action in this situation.

A. Tell the client they are out of control. B. Stay quietly with the client. C. Distract the client by offering finger foods. D. Ignore the client's acting out behavior.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale: Telling the client they are out of control may escalate the situation and provoke further aggression. It is not a therapeutic or de-escalation technique.

Choice B rationale: Staying quietly with the client is a calm and non-confrontational approach. It allows the client to express emotions while conveying a supportive presence.

Choice C rationale: Distracting the client by offering finger foods may not be appropriate during a shouting episode, as it may be perceived as dismissive of the client's feelings or concerns.

Choice D rationale: Ignoring the client's acting-out behavior is not the best option. The nurse should acknowledge the client's emotions and provide support rather than ignoring the distress.

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A client who is experiencing a severe level of anxiety and reports a racing heartbeat, dizziness, and expresses a sense that something dreadful will happen. The nurse observes the client pacing and waving hands rapidly. Which action should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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