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

Appeared in: OSSSC Nursing Officer-2023

Explanation

During an acute anxiety or panic attack, the client's ability to process information is significantly impaired, and they often feel a loss of control and intense fear.
The nurse's primary responsibility is to ensure the client's safety and provide a sense of security. Staying with the client accomplishes this, as the presence of a calm, trusted individual is reassuring.
Using short, simple, and clear sentences reduces the cognitive burden on the client, making communication more effective when their ability to comprehend is limited by anxiety.

Option A: This increases environmental stimuli (noise and light), which can overwhelm the client and escalate their anxiety.
Option B: This is a major safety risk. The client may feel abandoned, their anxiety could intensify, and they could be at risk for impulsive or harmful behavior without supervision.
Option D: This introduces complex social stimuli and performance demands, which are overwhelming and inappropriate for a person experiencing a panic attack. A low-stimulus environment is required.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Immediate nursing interventions for an acute anxiety attack to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
The therapeutic use of self—using one's presence and communication as a tool—is a fundamental nursing skill in psychiatric care. It can be more effective than any other immediate action.
Patient safety is the absolute priority during a panic attack. The risk of impulsive actions or a sense of impending doom requires the nurse to remain with the client until the acute phase subsides.
What if? If the client is hyperventilating, the nurse's priority would be to coach the client in slow, deep breathing exercises (e.g., 'Breathe in with me... now out...') while still staying with them and maintaining a calm demeanor.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the clinical situation: the patient is having an acute anxiety attack.
Recall the core nursing principles for managing acute anxiety: ensure safety and reduce environmental stimuli.
Evaluate each option based on these principles.
Option A (TV) and Option D (playing with others) both increase stimuli, which is contraindicated.
Option B (leaving the client) violates the principle of safety.
Option C (staying with the client and using short sentences) directly addresses both safety and the need for simple, clear communication in a low-stimulus manner. This is the most therapeutic choice.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Guide to Mental Health & PSYCHIATRIC NURSING R Sreevani— Part 1 (pp 26-289 of 579) p. 238-240

Practise the full OSSSC Nursing Officer-2023

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.