ATI Mental Health Practice Exam Related

Review ATI Mental Health Practice Exam related questions and content

What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing a panic attack?

  • A. Encouraging the patient to focus on deep breathing exercises.
  • B. Encouraging the patient to avoid any physical activity.
  • C. Asking the patient to describe their feelings in detail.
  • D. Providing the patient with detailed information about panic attacks.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because focusing on deep breathing exercises helps the patient regulate their breathing and reduce hyperventilation during a panic attack. This intervention promotes relaxation and helps calm the patient down. Encouraging avoidance of physical activity (B) is incorrect as it does not address the immediate physiological symptoms of a panic attack. Asking the patient to describe their feelings (C) may be helpful for assessment but does not directly address the urgent need to manage the panic attack. Providing detailed information about panic attacks (D) is important for education but is not the priority during an active panic attack.