Question

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with panic disorder. The client begins to hyperventilate. How should the nurse respond initially?

1. Stay with the client during the anxiety attack.
2. Shout for help and obtain assistance.
3. Teach the client relaxation exercises.
4. Help the client explore the reason for the anxiety.

Answer 1

The nurse should initially respond by staying with the client during the anxiety attack. Shouting for help and obtaining assistance may be necessary if the client's condition worsens. Teaching relaxation exercises would be helpful in the long term.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should initially respond by staying with the client during the anxiety attack (option 1). This is important because the presence of a calm and supportive person can help the client feel safe and reduce feelings of panic. The nurse can offer reassurance and provide a calming presence while monitoring the client's respiratory status.

Shouting for help and obtaining assistance (option 2) may be necessary if the client's condition worsens or if there are signs of respiratory distress. Teaching relaxation exercises (option 3) would be a helpful intervention in the long term, but it may not be the appropriate initial response during an acute anxiety attack. Helping the client explore the reason for the anxiety (option 4) is important for understanding the underlying cause but should not be the initial response during an anxiety attack.