The nurse observes a client using an incentive spirometer.
Which action should the nurse take?

Choice A rationale: In a mass casualty event, the hospital must rapidly create capacity for incoming victims. Discharging stable clients who no longer require acute care is a primary nursing responsibility to free up beds and resources.

Choice B rationale: Determining the acuity and number of incoming casualties is typically the role of a triage officer or the incident commander at the scene or hospital entrance, not a floor nurse on a medical-surgical unit.

Choice C rationale: Delegating tasks to specialists or coordinating the overall medical response is the responsibility of the medical director or the designated leader in the Hospital Incident Command System (HICS), not the staff nurse.

Choice D rationale: Communication with the media is strictly handled by the Public Information Officer (PIO) to ensure accuracy and maintain client confidentiality. Staff nurses are prohibited from providing unauthorized updates to external media outlets.

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging the client to face their fear gradually is an appropriate nursing intervention for a client with a phobia. This approach is consistent with exposure therapy, which is a widely recognized and effective treatment for phobias. Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing the client to the feared object or situation in a controlled and supportive environment. By doing so, the client can learn to confront and manage their fear over time. This approach is evidence-based and helps the client build resilience and reduce anxiety.

Choice B rationale:

Administering benzodiazepines as needed for acute anxiety (Choice B) is not the first-line treatment for phobias. While benzodiazepines can provide temporary relief from anxiety symptoms, they do not address the underlying phobia and can lead to dependence and tolerance with prolonged use. Moreover, they are generally reserved for acute anxiety episodes and not considered a primary treatment for phobias.

Choice C rationale:

Providing psychoeducation about the causes and effects of phobias (Choice C) is a valuable component of treatment, but it alone may not be sufficient. Psychoeducation can help clients understand the nature of their phobia and reduce stigma, but it should be combined with evidence-based therapies like exposure therapy for comprehensive care.

Choice D rationale:

Teaching the client relaxation techniques to manage anxiety (Choice D) can be a helpful adjunct to treatment, but it is not the primary intervention for phobias. Relaxation techniques can be part of a broader strategy to reduce anxiety, but the client also needs exposure therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy to address the phobia directly.