A client is experiencing an anxiety attack. The most appropriate nursing intervention should include?

Correct Answer: C. Staying with the client and speaking in short sentences

Appropriate nursing interventions for an anxiety attack include using short sentences, staying with the client, decreasing stimuli, remaining calm, and medicating as needed. Maintain a calm, non threatening manner while working with the client; anxiety is contagious and may be transferred from staff to client or vice versa. Use simple words and brief messages, speak calmly and clearly, to explain hospital experiences to the client; in an intensely anxious situation, the client is unable to comprehend anything but the most elementary communication.

• Option A: Provide a non-stimulating environment. Keep immediate surroundings low in stimuli (dim lighting, few people, simple decor); a stimulating environment may increase the level of anxiety. Move the client to a quiet area with minimal stimuli such as a small room or seclusion area (dim lighting, few people, and so on.) Anxious behavior escalates by external stimuli. A smaller or secluded area enhances a sense of security as compared to a large area which can make the client feel lost and panicked.
• Option B: Reassure the client of his or her safety and security; this can be conveyed by the physical presence of the nurse; do not leave the client alone at this time. Remain with the client at all times when levels of anxiety are high (severe or panic); reassure the client of his or her safety and security. The client’s safety is an utmost priority. A highly anxious client should not be left alone as his anxiety will escalate.
• Option D: Encourage the client to talk about traumatic experiences under non-threatening conditions; help the client work through feelings of guilt related to the traumatic event; help the client understand that this was an event to which most people would have responded in like manner. Encourage the client’s participation in relaxation exercises such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, meditation, and so forth. Relaxation exercises are effective nonchemical ways to reduce anxiety.