A home health nurse is admitting a client who is prescribed peritoneal dialysis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A. Encourage the client to talk about their feelings: During a panic attack, clients are often overwhelmed and unable to process or articulate feelings. Encouraging discussion is helpful later but is not the first priority during acute panic.

B. Assure the client that they are in a safe place: Ensuring the client feels safe addresses immediate anxiety and establishes a calming environment. Safety and emotional stabilization are the first priorities according to the nursing process when managing acute panic attacks.

C. Promote problem-solving with the client: Problem-solving requires cognitive processing, which is impaired during a panic attack. This intervention is appropriate after the client has calmed and is able to think clearly.

D. Explore behaviors that have worked to relieve anxiety in the past: Reviewing coping strategies is useful once the client’s acute panic symptoms are under control. It is not the immediate priority compared with ensuring safety and reducing immediate fear.

A. Confirm schedule for delivery of supplies: Ensuring supplies are delivered is important for continuity of care, but it does not address the client’s immediate needs or understanding of peritoneal dialysis. This can be arranged after assessing needs.

B. Coordinate interdisciplinary health care services: Collaboration with other healthcare providers is essential for comprehensive care, but initiating coordination should follow a thorough assessment of the client’s specific needs and goals.

C. Demonstrate how to perform the procedure: Teaching the procedure is a critical step, but effective teaching requires understanding the client’s current knowledge, abilities, and perceived needs first. Without this assessment, instruction may not be individualized or effective.

D. Clarify the client’s actual and perceived health needs: Assessing both objective and perceived needs establishes a foundation for individualized care planning, teaching, and coordination. This is the first action because it informs all subsequent interventions and ensures the client’s priorities are addressed.