A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who is experiencing acute alcohol withdrawal. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A reason:Recognizing situations that trigger anxiety is a key strategy in managing chronic anxiety. By identifying these triggers, the client can develop coping mechanisms, such as relaxation techniques or cognitive-behavioral strategies, to reduce the impact of anxiety and prevent escalation.

Choice B reason:Completely eliminating stress and anxiety from daily life is unrealistic, as stress is a normal part of life. Instead, the focus should be on managing anxiety through coping strategies, therapy, or medication, rather than expecting to eliminate it entirely.

Choice C reason:While contacting a crisis counselor may be helpful in acute situations, routine weekly contact is not typically part of a discharge plan for chronic anxiety unless specified for ongoing therapy. The focus should be on self-management and regular follow-up with a mental health provider.

Choice D reason:Repressing feelings of anxiety is counterproductive and can worsen symptoms over time. Effective anxiety management involves acknowledging and processing emotions, often through techniques like mindfulness or therapy, rather than suppressing them.

Choice A reason:Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, promoting neuronal activity. It is not typically targeted for its inhibitory effects in anxiety treatments, as excessive glutamate activity may contribute to heightened anxiety or overstimulation.

Choice B reason:Dopamine is involved in reward, motivation, and movement regulation. While imbalances in dopamine can play a role in some psychiatric conditions, it is not the primary neurotransmitter targeted for its inhibitory effects in anxiety disorders.

Choice C reason:Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, helping to calm neuronal activity and reduce anxiety. Many anti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines, enhance GABA’s effects to promote relaxation and reduce symptoms of anxiety.

Choice D reason:Norepinephrine is an excitatory neurotransmitter associated with the body’s stress response and arousal. Elevated levels are often linked to increased anxiety, so it is not targeted for inhibitory effects in anxiety treatments.