A client who has been diagnosed with panic disorder visits the clinic and experiences a panic attack. The client tells the nurse, "I'm so nervous. My hands are shaking, and I'm sweating. I feel as if I'm having a stroke right now."

Question

What would be the priority intervention at this time?

A) Stay with the client while remaining calm.
B) Move the client to a safe environment.
C) Tell the client that the attack will soon pass.
D) Teach the client deep breathing techniques to calm her.

Answer 1

Ans: A
The first nursing intervention should be to stay with the client while remaining calm. A calm presence will help to relax the client. The nurse should use short sentences to provide clear directions and then assist the client to an environment with minimal stimuli. A client experiencing panic is unable to process information, so telling the client that the attack will soon pass would be ineffective. Educating the client on deep-breathing techniques would be appropriate later, after the panic subsides and the client is amenable to hearing and processing information.