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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Changes in thought patterns related to problem-solving demonstrate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral techniques. Shifting from hopelessness to active problem-solving reflects positive progress.
Choice B rationale: Describing how the family can resolve problems may involve other therapeutic modalities, but it is not specific to evaluating the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral techniques.
Choice C rationale: Relating insight into problematic relationships is a broad goal and may not specifically measure the impact of cognitive-behavioral techniques. Choice D rationale: Demonstrating a healthy relationship with the husband is an important goal but is not directly related to the evaluation of cognitive-behavioral techniques.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic and may contribute to electrolyte imbalances, but it is not the most concerning medication in this situation. Choice B rationale: Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), and the combination of an MAOI with certain foods or medications containing tyramine can lead
to a hypertensive crisis. The client's elevated blood pressure is of concern, and the nurse should notify the healthcare provider.
Choice C rationale: Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat hypertension. While it may contribute to blood pressure control, it is not the most concerning medication in this scenario.
Choice D rationale: Aspirin, at a dose of 81 milligrams, is often used for cardiovascular prophylaxis and is not the most concerning medication in this situation.
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