A nurse who is co-leading group therapy recognizes that a client is beginning to experience severe levels of anxiety. Which intervention is best for the nurse to implement?

Choice A rationale:
Assisting the client with relaxation techniques within the group is an appropriate and immediate intervention for managing severe anxiety. This approach can help the client regulate their anxiety levels and provide a sense of support in the therapeutic environment.

Choice B rationale:
Escorting the client from the group to reduce stimuli may be considered if the client's anxiety becomes overwhelming and they cannot manage it within the group setting. However, it is generally preferable to try in-group interventions first.

Choice C rationale:
Providing education about ways to cope with anxiety is valuable, but it may not be the most effective intervention in the moment when the client is already experiencing severe anxiety. Practical techniques should be initiated first.

Choice D rationale:
Asking the client to describe and identify the source of the feelings may be a useful therapeutic technique in individual therapy sessions but may not be the best immediate intervention during a group therapy session when the focus is on managing acute anxiety.

Choice A Rationale:
While emotional expression and ventilation can be therapeutic, it may not be the most appropriate coping strategy for someone with depression who may already be overwhelmed by negative emotions. Ventilating emotions without a structured approach might not provide the desired relief and can even exacerbate feelings of distress.

Choice B Rationale:
This choice may not be suitable for someone with depression because it could lead to further neglect of their own needs and contribute to feelings of guilt or exhaustion.

Choice C Rationale:
While relaxation techniques can be helpful, reducing the effort to solve problems may not be the most effective strategy for individuals with depression. Avoidance of problems can perpetuate feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.

Choice D Rationale:
For a client with depression who is struggling with handling personal circumstances, focusing on small achievable tasks can be a helpful coping strategy. Breaking down larger problems into manageable steps can reduce feelings of overwhelm and gradually improve the client's sense of accomplishment and self-efficacy.