A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has gastroenteritis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A) Measure the client's manifestations using an anxiety rating scale: This action is essential as the first step because it allows the nurse to accurately assess the severity of the client's anxiety. Understanding the level of anxiety helps in planning appropriate interventions and monitoring the effectiveness of any treatment provided. Accurate assessment is foundational in clinical decision making.

B) Initiate a referral to a local support group: While beneficial, referring the client to a support group should follow an initial assessment. Support groups can offer long-term benefits, but immediate needs and severity must be evaluated first.

C) Assist in finding alternative ways to cope: Helping the client develop coping strategies is an important intervention. However, before suggesting specific coping mechanisms, the nurse needs to understand the current level of anxiety and how it affects the client. This ensures that the coping strategies are appropriately tailored.

D) Administer an antianxiety medication: Administering medication can be crucial in managing severe anxiety, but this step should come after a thorough assessment. The nurse needs to determine if medication is necessary and what dosage might be appropriate, based on the anxiety rating scale and other assessment findings.

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.