RN HESI Mental Health 2023 Related

Review RN HESI Mental Health 2023 related questions and content

A client who has agoraphobia is beginning desensitization with the therapist, and the nurse is reinforcing the process. Which intervention has the highest priority for this client's plan of care?

  • A. Establish trust by providing a calm, safe environment
  • B. Encourage deep breathing when anxiety escalates in a crowd
  • C. Progressively expose the client to larger crowds
  • D. Encourage substitution of positive thoughts for negative ones
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Establishing trust through a calm, safe environment is foundational for effective desensitization in agoraphobia, supporting the client's sense of security. Deep breathing and positive thoughts are secondary. Progressive exposure comes after trust is established.