A nurse is caring for a client with panic disorder experiencing an acute panic attack. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Administer a prescribed benzodiazepine.
Encourage the client to take slow, deep breaths.
Place the client in a quiet, private room.
Teach the client cognitive restructuring techniques.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Administering a benzodiazepine may reduce panic symptoms but is not the first action, as it requires a prescription and carries dependence risks. Panic attacks involve acute sympathetic activation, and non-pharmacological interventions like breathing are prioritized to quickly stabilize autonomic arousal safely.
Choice B reason: Slow, deep breathing reduces panic attack symptoms by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, counteracting hyperventilation and sympathetic overdrive. This lowers heart rate and cortisol, calming the amygdala-driven fear response, making it the first, most immediate intervention to manage acute panic effectively.
Choice C reason: A quiet room reduces stimuli but is not the first action, as it addresses environmental triggers rather than the physiological arousal of a panic attack. Breathing techniques directly target hyperventilation and autonomic symptoms, providing faster relief than environmental adjustments in acute panic.
Choice D reason: Cognitive restructuring is a long-term strategy for panic disorder, not suitable during an acute attack. Panic attacks involve intense physiological arousal, and cognitive interventions require calm mental states to be effective, making this inappropriate as the first action compared to breathing techniques.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["12.5"]
Explanation
Step 1 is (25 mg) ÷ (10 mg)
Step 2 is (2.5) × (5 mL)
Final answer 12.5 mL
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: A show of force with security can escalate agitation, as it may be perceived as threatening. Violence risk increases with confrontation, and non-threatening de-escalation techniques, like offering a timeout, are prioritized to reduce stimulation and promote calm, per mental health protocols.
Choice B reason: Restraints are a last resort due to risks of physical and psychological harm. Preemptive restraint before attempting de-escalation violates least-restraint principles. Offering a timeout is safer, allowing the client to self-regulate and avoid escalation to violence without restrictive measures.
Choice C reason: Offering timeout options empowers the client to choose a calming strategy, reducing agitation. Violence often stems from overstimulation or loss of control, and providing choices fosters autonomy, de-escalates tension, and aligns with therapeutic principles to prevent escalation in a safe manner.
Choice D reason: Escorting to a secluded area may increase risk, as isolation can heighten agitation or fear, potentially triggering violence. Public or supervised settings are safer for de-escalation, allowing monitoring and intervention if needed, making this action less appropriate than offering timeout options.
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