Question

The client admitted to the psychiatric unit with severe anxiety is pacing rapidly in the room, crying, and hyperventilating. The client yells, "I can't believe you took my belongings! Where are you keeping them? This is so frustrating!"What is the appropriate response by the nurse?

a) Ignore the client's statements and continue with the assessment.
b) Provide a calm and empathetic response, acknowledging the client's feelings.
c) Restrict the client to prevent further disruptive behavior.
d) Administer a prescribed sedative to calm the client.

Answer 1

The appropriate response by the nurse would be to provide a calm and empathetic response, acknowledging the client's feelings.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate response by the nurse in this situation would be b) Provide a calm and empathetic response, acknowledging the client's feelings. Ignoring the client's statements and continuing with the assessment (option a) may worsen the client's anxiety and exacerbate their distress. Restricting the client (option c) may escalate their agitation and potentially cause harm. Administering a sedative (option d) should only be done under the guidance and prescription of a physician, and should not be the first line of intervention.