A nurse in an acute mental health facility observes a client having a panic attack. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?
Discuss the client's feelings prior to the panic attack.
Encourage the use of positive self-talk strategies.
Instruct the client to use abdominal breathing.
Administer an antianxiety medication.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Discussing the client's feelings prior to the panic attack may be helpful during a debriefing session but is not the priority during an acute panic attack.
B. While positive self-talk strategies can be beneficial for managing anxiety, they may not be effective during the acute phase of a panic attack when the client is experiencing overwhelming symptoms.
C. Instructing the client to use abdominal breathing helps to regulate breathing patterns and reduce the intensity of the panic attack by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
D. Administering an antianxiety medication may be necessary in severe cases of panic attacks, but it is not typically the first intervention. Non-pharmacological techniques such as breathing exercises should be attempted first.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While severe abdominal pain in a client with a history of pancreatitis requires urgent assessment, severe dyspnea in a client with heart failure may indicate impending respiratory distress, requiring immediate intervention.
B. Severe dyspnea in a client with heart failure is a critical situation that requires immediate assessment and intervention to prevent respiratory compromise or failure.
C. While a client scheduled for surgery may need preparation and assessment, the client with severe dyspnea takes priority due to the potential for respiratory distress.
D. While a high blood glucose level in a postoperative client with diabetes mellitus requires monitoring and intervention, the client with severe dyspnea requires immediate attention due to the potential for respiratory compromise.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Incorrect. Nail growth typically decreases with age rather than increases, and it is not due to calcium deposits.
B. Incorrect. Sweating tends to decrease with age rather than increase due to changes in sweat gland activity.
C. Incorrect. Cardiac output generally decreases with age due to changes in the heart's structure and function, rather than increasing due to weakened heart valves.
D. Correct. Increased joint stiffness is an expected age-related change due to the loss of elasticity in joint cartilage, leading to conditions such as osteoarthritis, which commonly affects older adults.
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