A nurse is providing teaching to a group of expectant parents about risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome. Which of the following risk factors should the nurse include?

A) Provide a detailed account of the feelings and sounds the client will experience:
While explaining the procedure can be helpful, it might increase anxiety for someone with claustrophobia by focusing on potentially distressing details. It's more effective to use relaxation techniques or medications to manage acute anxiety.

B) Obtain a prescription for clonazepam:
Clonazepam, a benzodiazepine, can help reduce anxiety and is often used to manage claustrophobia during procedures like an MRI. This medication can help the client stay calm and more comfortable during the scan.

C) Obtain a prescription for ziprasidone:
Ziprasidone is an antipsychotic medication and is not typically used for managing situational anxiety or claustrophobia. Using an appropriate anxiolytic like clonazepam is more effective in this context.

D) Inform the client that the time spent in the MRI machine will only be 5 min:
This statement is misleading as MRI scans usually take longer than 5 minutes. Providing inaccurate information can undermine trust and increase anxiety if the procedure takes longer than stated.

A) Measure the client's manifestations using an anxiety rating scale: This action is essential as the first step because it allows the nurse to accurately assess the severity of the client's anxiety. Understanding the level of anxiety helps in planning appropriate interventions and monitoring the effectiveness of any treatment provided. Accurate assessment is foundational in clinical decision making.

B) Initiate a referral to a local support group: While beneficial, referring the client to a support group should follow an initial assessment. Support groups can offer long-term benefits, but immediate needs and severity must be evaluated first.

C) Assist in finding alternative ways to cope: Helping the client develop coping strategies is an important intervention. However, before suggesting specific coping mechanisms, the nurse needs to understand the current level of anxiety and how it affects the client. This ensures that the coping strategies are appropriately tailored.

D) Administer an antianxiety medication: Administering medication can be crucial in managing severe anxiety, but this step should come after a thorough assessment. The nurse needs to determine if medication is necessary and what dosage might be appropriate, based on the anxiety rating scale and other assessment findings.