Final answer:
The priority action for a client experiencing panic level of anxiety is to protect the client from harm by ensuring their safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should identify protecting the client from harm as the priority action when developing a plan of care for a client experiencing panic level of anxiety. During a panic attack, the client may be at risk of self-harm or injury. The nurse should prioritize ensuring the client's safety by creating a calm and safe environment, removing any potential hazards, and staying with the client to offer support.
Although reducing environmental stimulation may be helpful in managing anxiety, ensuring the client's safety takes precedence.
While administering an anxiolytic medication may provide relief for the client's anxiety, it is not the priority action. The nurse should assess the client's condition and consult with the healthcare provider before administering any medication.
Encouraging physical exercise is a beneficial stress reduction technique, but it may not be appropriate or feasible during a panic attack.