A preschool-aged child who is experiencing respiratory distress is brought to the emergency department by the parents. The child is anxious, has a temperature of 102.8° F (39.3° C), and is drooling from the mouth while leaning forward when sitting. Which action should the nurse prepare the child for next?

Choice D is correct because allowing time for the behavior and then redirecting the client to other activities is an effective intervention for a client with OCD who is repeatedly washing the top of the same table. OCD is a disorder characterized by recurrent and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive and ritualistic behaviors (compulsions) that cause distress and impairment. The nurse should not interfere with or criticize the client's compulsions, as this can increase anxiety and resistance. The nurse should instead set limits on the time and place for the compulsions and gradually reduce them by offering alternative coping strategies or distractions.

Choice A is incorrect because encouraging the client to be calm and relax for a while is not an effective intervention for a client with OCD who is repeatedly washing the top of the same table. The client may not be able to relax or stop their compulsions, as they are driven by irrational fears or beliefs that are difficult to control. The nurse should not minimize or dismiss the client's feelings, as this can make them feel misunderstood or invalidated.

Choice B is incorrect because teaching the client thought-stopping techniques and how to refocus behaviors is not an effective intervention for a client with OCD who is repeatedly washing the top of the same table. Thought-stopping techniques are cognitive strategies that aim to interrupt or replace negative or unwanted thoughts with positive or neutral ones. However, these techniques may not work for clients with OCD, as their obsessions are often persistent and resistant to change. The nurse should not attempt to teach new skills or challenge the client's thoughts during an acute episode of compulsion, as this can increase anxiety and frustration.

Choice C is incorrect because assisting the client to identify stimuli that precipitate the activity is not an effective intervention for a client with OCD who is repeatedly washing the top of the same table. The client may not be able to identify or avoid the triggers that cause their compulsions, as they are often internal or irrational. The nurse should not focus on finding the cause or meaning of the compulsions, as this can reinforce their significance or validity.

Choice B is correct because anxiety is the priority nursing problem for this client who starts to cry and states, "I just know I can't handle all the pain." Anxiety is a feeling of fear, nervousness, or apprehension that can interfere with coping and decision making. The nurse should assess the level and source of anxiety and provide emotional support and reassurance to the client. The nurse should also review the pain management techniques and explain the benefits and risks of different analgesic options.

Choice A is incorrect because knowledge deficit is not the priority nursing problem for this client who starts to cry and states, "I just know I can't handle all the pain." Knowledge deficit is a lack of information or understanding about a topic or situation that can affect learning and behavior. The nurse should evaluate the client's learning needs and provide appropriate education and resources, but this is not as urgent as addressing the client's anxiety.

Choice C is incorrect because pain intolerance is not the priority nursing problem for this client who starts to cry and states, "I just know I can't handle all the pain." Pain intolerance is an inability or unwillingness to endure pain that can affect quality of life and recovery. The nurse should assess the client's pain level and response to analgesics and adjust the pain management plan accordingly, but this is not as urgent as addressing the client's anxiety.

Choice D is incorrect because anticipatory grieving is not the priority nursing problem for this client who starts to cry and states, "I just know I can't handle all the pain." Anticipatory grieving is a process of mourning that occurs before an expected loss or death that can affect emotional and physical well-being. The nurse should acknowledge the client's feelings and provide empathy and support, but this is not as urgent as addressing the client's anxiety.