A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who is exhibiting manifestations of a panic level of anxiety. Which of the following interventions should the nurse initiate?
Encourage the client to reframe their perception of stress
Guide the client to a location that is quiet and stay with the client.
Help the client identify factors that are contributing to the anxiety
Ask questions to clarify how the client feels and what they are thinking.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Encourage the client to reframe their perception of stress: Reframing can be a helpful strategy for less severe anxiety, but during a panic attack, the client may be too overwhelmed to engage in cognitive techniques like reframing. Immediate support is needed first.
B. Guide the client to a location that is quiet and stay with the client: This is the best intervention. A quiet environment helps reduce external stimuli, and staying with the client provides reassurance and safety, helping to calm the overwhelming anxiety during a panic attack.
C. Help the client identify factors that are contributing to the anxiety: While identifying triggers is important for long-term management, during a panic attack, the priority is immediate relief and safety. The client may not be able to engage in reflection during peak anxiety.
D. Ask questions to clarify how the client feels and what they are thinking: During a panic attack, the client is likely to be too overwhelmed to respond meaningfully to questions. The priority is to offer comfort and a calm presence rather than focusing on understanding their thoughts at that moment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "If I were you, I would go to a few therapy sessions to give them a try": This statement is not appropriate because it places the nurse's personal perspective onto the client, potentially pressuring them. It does not respect the client's autonomy in making their own decisions.
B. "One of my friends went to group therapy and they improved significantly": Sharing personal experiences can make the client feel uncomfortable and may not be relevant to their own situation. It can also create a sense of comparison, which is not helpful.
C. "You have the right to refuse to attend group therapy": This statement is respectful of the client's autonomy and acknowledges their right to make decisions about their care. It empowers the client and maintains their dignity while respecting their refusal.
D. "You should go to group therapy if you want to get better": This statement may feel coercive, as it implies that the client "should" attend therapy to improve. It might lead the client to feel guilty or pressured rather than supported in their choice.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Stay with the client for 15 min following meals: Staying with the client for 15 minutes after meals is a common practice to ensure that they do not engage in behaviors like purging or hiding food. It provides supervision and support to prevent the client from engaging in harmful activities.
B. Weigh the client every day for the first week of acute care: Weighing the client daily is not typically recommended, as it may increase anxiety and focus on weight. Weighing may be done periodically, but the frequency should be tailored to the client’s needs and the treatment.
C. Schedule the client for a daily exercise program: Exercise may be restricted or minimized in clients with anorexia nervosa, especially in the acute phase of treatment, as excessive exercise can worsen the condition and interfere with recovery.
D. Discuss food-related topics with the client during meals: Discussing food-related topics during meals may increase anxiety or pressure related to food. The focus during meals should be on providing a supportive, non-judgmental environment that encourages normal eating patterns.
Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options.
The client is at risk of developing