Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition - Anxiety Disorders: Management of Anxiety, Phobia, and Panic Related

Review Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition - Anxiety Disorders: Management of Anxiety, Phobia, and Panic related questions and content

A client who has been diagnosed with panic disorder visits the clinic and experiences a panic attack. The client tells the nurse, I?m so nervous. My hands are shaking, and I?m sweating. I feel as if I?m having a stroke right now. Which of the following would the nurse do first?

  • A. Stay with the client while remaining calm.
  • B. Move the client to a safe environment.
  • C. Tell the client that the attack will soon pass.
  • D. Teach the client deep breathing techniques to calm her.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Staying with the client while remaining calm (A) is the first priority during a panic attack to provide reassurance and safety, reducing fear. Moving to a safe environment (B) is secondary, reassuring about duration (C) is less immediate, and teaching breathing (D) requires the client to be calmer first.