A nurse is caring for a client with acute stress disorder (ASD). Which intervention is the nurse's priority during the acute phase of the disorder?

Choice A rationale:

Urging the client to "face their fears and confront that place" might overwhelm them and exacerbate their distress. Gradual exposure is a more effective approach in managing anxiety related to trauma.

Choice B rationale:

While avoidance might provide temporary relief, it reinforces the fear and prevents the client from processing the traumatic memory. Encouraging avoidance can contribute to the persistence of their symptoms.

Choice C rationale:

Gradual exposure is indeed a recommended therapeutic technique, but directly telling the client to "gradually expose themselves" might not be well received. Collaboration and guidance are important in this process.

Choice D rationale:

This response acknowledges the client's distress and suggests a collaborative approach to coping with their feelings. It opens the door for discussing coping strategies and potentially seeking professional help.

Choice B rationale:

Administering antianxiety medication as prescribed is the nurse's priority during the acute phase of acute stress disorder (ASD). This is because individuals with ASD often experience severe anxiety, panic attacks, and overwhelming distress. Antianxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines, can help manage the acute symptoms and provide relief from extreme anxiety.

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging the client to talk about the traumatic event (Choice A) might not be the priority during the acute phase. Revisiting the traumatic event prematurely could potentially retraumatize the client and exacerbate their symptoms.

Choice C rationale:

Assisting the client in identifying triggers for anxiety (Choice C) is an important intervention, but it may be more relevant during the later stages of treatment, when the client is more stabilized and ready to engage in cognitive-behavioral interventions.

Choice D rationale:

Providing education about relaxation techniques (Choice D) is valuable, but it might not be the top priority during the acute phase. The client's distress and anxiety levels are likely to be too high to effectively engage with relaxation techniques initially.