A nurse is gathering data from a client who has severe anxiety. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an Indication that the client is experiencing a crisis?

Choice A Reason:

Reducing physical activity is not a recommended approach to avoid panic attacks. Regular physical activity and exercise can be beneficial in managing anxiety and panic.

Choice B Reason:

Expecting each panic attack to last about 45 minutes is not accurate. The duration of a panic attack can vary widely from individual to individual, and they typically do not last that long.

Choice C Reason:

Sitting with others in the activity room until the panic attack subsides might provide support, but it does not address the proactive coping strategy of using abdominal breathing to manage the panic attack's symptoms.

Choice D Reason:

"I will use abdominal breathing at the first sign of a panic attack." The statement "I will use abdominal breathing at the first sign of a panic attack" indicates an understanding of a coping strategy for managing panic attacks. Abdominal or deep breathing techniques can help individuals calm their physiological response during a panic attack.

Correct answer: D

A.Sharing a client's substance use information with their employer without their consent may violate confidentiality and privacy laws.

B.Sharing information about a client's suicide with another nurse may be appropriate for staff who need to know for safety reasons but should be done carefully and only with those who have a legitimate need for the information.

C.Sharing a client's medical information with their partner in this scenario may be appropriate under certain circumstances. However, it's essential to consider the client's safety and well-being first. If the client has reported intimate partner abuse, the nurse must assess the risk of harm to the client if their partner is informed. Depending on the situation, it may be necessary to involve other healthcare professionals, such as social workers or law enforcement, to ensure the client's safety. Before sharing any information with the partner, the nurse should follow institutional policies and legal requirements, which often involve obtaining the client's consent or assessing the potential harm of disclosure.

D.Sharing a client's medical information with a social worker who is directly involved in the client's care is generally appropriate and often necessary for effective interdisciplinary collaboration. In this scenario, the social worker is assigned to the client and is likely involved in coordinating the client's care and support services. Sharing relevant medical information with the social worker can facilitate continuity of care and help ensure that the client's needs are met appropriately. However, it's essential for the nurse to adhere to confidentiality requirements and only share information on a need-to-know basis, ensuring that the information is used for the purpose of providing care and support to the client.