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 C
Explanation
c. Ketones positive.
Explanation:
Ketones in the urine can be an indication of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or other metabolic disorders. It is abnormal and should be reported to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. Positive ketones suggest that the body is breaking down fats for energy instead of using glucose, which can be a sign of inadequate insulin levels or utilization.
Options a, b, and d are within normal ranges or do not indicate an immediate concern. A specific gravity of 1.020 is within the normal range and indicates appropriate urine concentration. Uric acid levels of 475 mg/24 hr are not mentioned as abnormal or concerning in the context provided. Nitrites negative indicates the absence of nitrites in the urine, which is a normal finding and indicates the absence of a urinary tract infection.
However, it's important to note that clinical judgment should always be exercised, and the nurse should consider the patient's overall clinical presentation and history when interpreting laboratory results and making decisions regarding reporting to the provider.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Answer: A
Rationale:
A) Serve meals with plastic utensils: Serving meals with plastic utensils is essential to reduce the risk of self-harm. Metal utensils could be used by the client to inflict injury upon themselves, so providing plastic utensils is a necessary safety measure to prevent potential harm.
B) Assign another client to accompany the client to therapy sessions: Assigning another client to accompany the client to therapy sessions is not appropriate as it places an undue burden on another client and may not ensure the safety of the at-risk client. Professional staff should provide supervision and support.
C) Assign the client to a private room: Assigning the client to a private room might increase the risk of self-harm due to reduced supervision. It is generally better to place the client in a more observable setting where staff can frequently monitor their condition.
D) Check on the client every 4 hr: Checking on the client every 4 hours is insufficient for someone who has recently attempted suicide. More frequent monitoring, such as constant or every 15-minute checks, is necessary to ensure the client's safety and provide immediate intervention if needed.
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