A client with a history of panic disorder begins trembling and breathing rapidly after acute physical causes have been excluded. The client says, "I am going to die." Which action should the nurse take first?
1Ask the client to describe the events that triggered the attack in detail
2Leave the client alone in a quiet room until the rapid breathing resolves
3Stay with the client, use short calm statements, and coach slow breathing✓ Correct answer
4Give the client a paper bag and direct rebreathing until symptoms improve
Explanation
After acute physical causes are excluded, staying with the client and coaching slow breathing reduces fear and hyperventilation. Detailed exploration comes later, while isolation and paper-bag rebreathing can increase risk.
Quick answer Stay with the client, communicate in short calm phrases, and coach slower breathing. Presence and simple direction reduce fear when the client cannot process lengthy explanations.
Why this is correct A panic attack narrows attention and can intensify hyperventilation. The nurse first maintains safety, decreases stimulation, and guides a slower breathing pattern after urgent physical causes have been excluded; teaching and trigger analysis wait until the anxiety level falls.
Easy analogy or mental picture Imagine helping someone regain footing on a shaking bridge. A steady companion and one simple step at a time are useful, while a long discussion adds load; the picture does not excuse missing a medical cause before labeling symptoms as panic.
Memory hook First reduce danger and stimulation, then use presence, short words, and slower breathing; explore causes later.
NCLEX decision rule For severe anxiety or panic, rule out acute physical illness, remain with the client, reduce stimuli, and give brief concrete directions. Do not demand complex reflection during peak anxiety and do not use paper-bag rebreathing.
Why the other choices are wrong Detailed trigger exploration requires concentration the client does not yet have. Leaving the client can intensify fear, and paper-bag rebreathing can worsen hypoxemia if the assessment is wrong. These options do not provide the safest immediate support.
References
[1]
NCSBN: 2026 NCLEX-RN Test PlanNational Council of State Boards of Nursing
[2]
NCBI Bookshelf: Nursing Interventions to Reduce AnxietyNational Library of Medicine