A nurse is collecting data from the guardian of a toddler during a well-child visit. The guardian expresses concern to the nurse because his child has a poor appetite, but drinks a quart of milk each day.

The nurse should identify that this practice places the toddler at risk for which of the following conditions?

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.

Answer: A, B, D, F

Rationale:

A. "The ECT procedure will cause you to have a brief seizure.":
This statement is accurate as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) intentionally induces a controlled seizure, which is thought to positively impact brain chemistry and alleviate symptoms of major depressive disorder. Educating the client about this aspect helps demystify the procedure and reduces anxiety.

B. "You will not be awake during the ECT procedure.":
The client receives general anesthesia before ECT, so they will be unconscious during the procedure. This reassurance can help alleviate fears associated with being awake and experiencing discomfort during the procedure.

C. "You will be placed on a ventilator to help you breathe during the ECT procedure.":
During ECT, clients do not require a ventilator, although they may receive oxygen support. An anesthetic and muscle relaxant are administered, and while the client’s breathing is closely monitored, a ventilator is unnecessary for this brief procedure.

D. "You will probably sleep the rest of the day following the ECT procedure.":
Many clients feel drowsy and need extra rest after ECT due to the effects of anesthesia and the brief seizure. Informing the client helps them prepare for this common effect and sets realistic expectations for their recovery period.

E. "It should only take one ECT treatment to bring you out of your depression.":
ECT is typically given as a series of treatments over several weeks to achieve lasting improvement in depressive symptoms. One treatment alone is usually insufficient, so this statement could mislead the client regarding the treatment plan.

F. "Some clients experience temporary memory loss following ECT therapy.":
Temporary memory loss, especially of recent events, is a known side effect of ECT. This side effect is generally transient but can help the client to be aware of this possibility, helping them to anticipate and manage any concerns post-treatment.