A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing panic-level anxiety and is becoming increasingly agitated with the staff. Which of the following interventions should the nurse attempt first?
Administer a sedative medication to the client.
Encourage strenuous physical activity to decrease tension.
Encourage the client to explore feelings that contribute to anxiety.
Speak to the client using short and simple statements in calm voice.
The Correct Answer is D
A) Administer a sedative medication to the client: While sedative medications can help manage acute anxiety, they should not be the first intervention. Medication administration comes after attempting non-pharmacological strategies to de-escalate the situation.
B) Encourage strenuous physical activity to decrease tension: Strenuous physical activity can sometimes exacerbate anxiety rather than alleviate it, particularly during a panic-level episode. It might not be safe or effective for immediate calming.
C) Encourage the client to explore feelings that contribute to anxiety: Exploring feelings is more appropriate once the client has been calmed. During a panic-level anxiety episode, the client may not be able to engage in reflective thinking or communication effectively.
D) Speak to the client using short and simple statements in calm voice: Using short, simple statements in a calm voice helps to provide clear and concise communication, which can be grounding and reassuring for someone experiencing panic-level anxiety. This approach helps to de-escalate the situation by reducing confusion and agitation.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Administering risperidone 25 mg IM: Administering risperidone intramuscularly is generally used for managing severe psychotic symptoms and not typically indicated for acute panic attacks. Without prior prescription or proper assessment, this action may be unsafe and inappropriate.
B) Teaching the client how to perform guided imagery: Guided imagery is an effective technique for managing anxiety over the long term, but it is not suitable for immediate relief during a severe panic attack. The client may not be able to focus or learn new techniques when experiencing extreme distress.
C) Staying with the client until the panic attack subsides: Providing immediate emotional support and reassurance by staying with the client helps reduce the intensity of the panic attack. The nurse's presence can help the client feel safer and more secure, facilitating a return to a calmer state.
D) Encouraging the client to take quick, shallow breaths: Quick, shallow breaths can exacerbate hyperventilation and increase symptoms like dizziness and lightheadedness. It is more beneficial to encourage slow, deep breathing to help regulate breathing patterns and reduce panic symptoms.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Provide a detailed account of the feelings and sounds the client will experience:
While explaining the procedure can be helpful, it might increase anxiety for someone with claustrophobia by focusing on potentially distressing details. It's more effective to use relaxation techniques or medications to manage acute anxiety.
B) Obtain a prescription for clonazepam:
Clonazepam, a benzodiazepine, can help reduce anxiety and is often used to manage claustrophobia during procedures like an MRI. This medication can help the client stay calm and more comfortable during the scan.
C) Obtain a prescription for ziprasidone:
Ziprasidone is an antipsychotic medication and is not typically used for managing situational anxiety or claustrophobia. Using an appropriate anxiolytic like clonazepam is more effective in this context.
D) Inform the client that the time spent in the MRI machine will only be 5 min:
This statement is misleading as MRI scans usually take longer than 5 minutes. Providing inaccurate information can undermine trust and increase anxiety if the procedure takes longer than stated.
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