Question

A client admitted to the psychiatric unit for treatment of a panic attack comes to the nurses' station in obvious distress. After finding the client short of breath, dizzy, trembling, and nauseated, the nurse should first:

1. ask what the client is upset about.
2. administer an antianxiety medication, as prescribed, and instruct the client to lie down in his room.
3. escort the client to a quiet area and suggest using a relaxation exercise that he's been taught.
4. reassure the client that the symptoms will disappear after he lies down and relaxes.

Answer 1

When a client admitted for a panic attack is in distress, the nurse should firstly escort the client to a quiet area and suggest using relaxation exercises that they've been taught.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client admitted to the psychiatric unit for treatment of a panic attack comes to the nurses' station in distress, the nurse's first action should be to escort the client to a quiet area and suggest using a relaxation exercise that he's been taught.

This response is preferred over administering an antianxiety medication or reassuring the client that the symptoms will disappear after lying down and relaxing because it actively supports the client in managing their distress. Asking the client what they are upset about is important, but addressing the immediate physical symptoms will help the client feel more calm and comfortable.