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NCLEX · General

A client is experiencing a panic attack with rapid breathing and feelings of terror. What is the priority nursing action?

Correct answer

Stay with the client, remain calm, and use a calm, reassuring voice while guiding slow breathing

  1. A Leave the client alone to calm down
  2. B Stay with the client, remain calm, and use a calm, reassuring voice while guiding slow breathing
  3. C Provide detailed health teaching immediately
  4. D Tell the client to 'snap out of it'

Why this is the answer

During a PANIC ATTACK, the priority is to STAY WITH the client (do not leave them alone), remain CALM yourself, use a CALM, reassuring voice, and guide SLOW breathing; provide a quiet, safe environment; use short, simple directions. NCLEX-PN psychosocial/anxiety. During severe anxiety/panic, the client's ability to process information is GREATLY REDUCED — so detailed teaching is ineffective during the attack (teach later when calm). Never leave a panicking client alone or dismiss their experience ('snap out of it'). Reducing stimuli, staying present, and helping the client regain control are priorities. Knowing how to support a client during acute anxiety/panic is a tested psychosocial concept.
Source: NCLEX-PN Psychosocial — Panic/Anxiety Intervention

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