A client on the mental health unit has agoraphobia and refuses to go to the dayroom for a scheduled unit activity. The nurse can best reduce the client's anxiety by which action?
1. Premedicate the client with a benzodiazepine.
2. Require the client to go but stay for only 10 minutes.
3. Reinforce that the client knows everyone else on the unit.
4. Offer to accompany the client and stay with her.
Answer: 4
1. Medications should not be used when adaptive practices can be used to solve the problem.
2. Mandating the client attend an activity will not help with the fear.
3. Knowing others at the activity will not help with the fear.
4. Accompanying the client offers assurance that someone will be present to help if a severe anxiety or panic attack occurs.
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