A nurse in an acute mental health facility observes a client having a panic atack. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?
Discuss the client's feelings prior to the panic atack.
Encourage the use of positive self-talk strategies
Instruct the client to use abdominal breathing
Administer an anti-anxiety medication
The Correct Answer is C
c. Instruct the client to use abdominal breathing.
When a client is experiencing a panic atack, the nurse's first priority is to help the client manage their symptoms and provide immediate relief. Instructing the client to use abdominal breathing is the most appropriate initial intervention.
Explanation for the other options:
a. Discuss the client's feelings prior to the panic atack. While discussing the client's feelings can be beneficial in addressing the underlying causes of anxiety, it may not be the most effective immediate intervention during a panic atack. The client's focus during a panic atack is typically on managing the physical symptoms and regaining control.
b. Encourage the use of positive self-talk strategies. Positive self-talk can be helpful in managing anxiety in general, but during a panic atack, the individual may have difficulty engaging in positive self-talk due to the intensity of symptoms. Addressing the immediate physical symptoms is a priority before exploring coping strategies.
d. Administer an anti-anxiety medication. Medication administration may be necessary in some cases, but it is not the first-line intervention for managing a panic atack. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as breathing techniques, should be implemented first. If the panic atack persists or worsens despite these interventions, medication may be considered.
In summary, during a panic atack, the immediate focus should be on helping the client manage their symptoms. Instructing the client to use abdominal breathing can help promote relaxation and reduce the intensity of the panic atack.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
a. Giving broad openings
The nurse is using the therapeutic technique of giving broad openings. This technique encourages the client to freely express themselves and choose the focus of the conversation. By asking, "What has been happening with you today?" the nurse is inviting the client to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without imposing any specific topic or direction.
Explanation for the other options:
b. Focusing: Focusing is a therapeutic technique where the nurse directs the conversation to a specific topic or issue. In this scenario, the nurse is not guiding the client's response toward a particular area of discussion.
c. Reflecting: Reflecting is a therapeutic technique where the nurse repeats or paraphrases the client's words or feelings to demonstrate understanding and encourage further exploration. The nurse's statement in this scenario does not involve reflecting the client's words or feelings.
d. Seeking clarification: Seeking clarification is a therapeutic technique used to obtain more specific information or clear up any confusion. The nurse's statement in this scenario does not involve seeking clarification from the client.
In summary, by using a broad opening, the nurse allows the client to choose the focus of the conversation
and encourages them to share their experiences and concerns.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should expect to find hyperkalemia in the medical record of a client who has sustained a full- thickness burn and is in the emergent phase of the burn. This is due to the release of potassium from damaged cells into the bloodstream.
a) Hypernatremia is not a common finding in the emergent phase of a burn.
b) Hypercalcemia is not a common finding in the emergent phase of a burn.
c) Hypermagnesemia is not a common finding in the emergent phase of a burn.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.