Lorazepam (Ativan) is prescribed for a client experiencing severe acute anxiety. Most important teaching should include instructions to:

This client is experiencing auditory hallucinations and may be at risk for self-harm or suicide. The nurse should prioritize visiting this client first to assess their safety and provide appropriate interventions.

Option a. A client who recently burned her arm by accident while using a hot iron at home may require wound care and education on safety, but this situation is not as urgent as the client experiencing auditory hallucinations.

Option b. A client who tells the nurse he experienced manifestations of severe anxiety before and during a job interview may benefit from interventions to manage anxiety, but this situation is not as urgent as the client experiencing auditory hallucinations.

Option c. A client who requests that her antipsychotic medication be changed due to some new adverse effects may require medication adjustment and monitoring for side effects, but this situation is not as urgent as the client experiencing auditory hallucinations.

This statement shows that the client is not accepting the reality of their prognosis and is dismissing the doctor's professional opinion. Denial is a common stage in the grief process where individuals may refuse to believe or accept a difficult reality, often as a coping mechanism to avoid the pain and sadness of the situation. Options a, b, d, and e do not indicate denial and instead may suggest fatigue, acceptance, physical weakness, and anger or frustration, respectively.