While making rounds, the charge nurse notices that a young adult client with asthma who was admitted yesterday is sitting on the side of the bed and leaning over the bedside table. The client is currently receiving oxygen at 2 liters/minute via nasal cannula. The client is wheezing and is using pursed lip breathing. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

Choice A: Administering a half dose now is not a safe instruction for the nurse to provide, as this can result in overdosing or underdosing the infant, depending on how much of the medicine was absorbed or expelled. This is a contraindicated choice.

Choice B: Giving another dose is not a prudent instruction for the nurse to provide, as this can cause digoxin toxicity, which can be life-threatening for the infant. This is another contraindicated choice.

Choice C: Mixing the next dose with food is not a relevant instruction for the nurse to provide, as this does not address the current situation and can affect the absorption and effectiveness of digoxin. This is a distractor choice.

Choice D: Withholding this dose is a sensible instruction for the nurse to provide, as this can prevent adverse effects and allow the infant's serum digoxin level to be checked before giving another dose. Therefore, this is the correct choice.

Choice A: Think about reasons the episodes occur. This is not the best instruction, as it may increase the anxiety level of the client. Thinking about reasons may trigger negative thoughts, emotions, or memories that can worsen the anxiety. The nurse should teach the client to focus on coping skills rather than causes.

Choice B: Center attention on positive upbeat music. This is not the best instruction, as it may not be effective for all clients. Listening to positive upbeat music may help distract or soothe some clients, but it may also irritate or annoy others. The nurse should teach the client to choose music that matches their mood and preference.

Choice C: Practice using muscle relaxation techniques. This is the best instruction, as it can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety. Muscle relaxation techniques involve tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in a systematic way, which can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing rate. The nurse should teach the client how to perform muscle relaxation techniques and practice them regularly.

Choice D: Find outlets for more social interaction. This is not the best instruction, as it may not be feasible or helpful for all clients. Finding outlets for more social interaction may help some clients feel supported or connected, but it may also stress or overwhelm others. The nurse should teach the client to seek social support that is appropriate and comfortable for them.