A patient experiencing a panic attack is trembling, breathless, and repeatedly saying, “I am going to die.” After checking immediate physical safety, what should the nurse do?
Correct answer: B. Use short calm statements and guide slow breathing
- A. Leave the patient alone until the attack ends
- B. Use short calm statements and guide slow breathing
- C. Ask the patient to explain childhood stressors in detail
- D. Tell the patient that there is no reason to feel frightened
Explanation
During panic, the nurse should remain with the patient, reduce stimulation, use brief reassuring statements, and guide slow breathing. Detailed exploration and dismissal of the fear are not effective during the acute episode and may increase anxiety.
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About Psychiatric Emergencies
Psychiatric emergencies include suicidal behavior, homicide risk, severe agitation, panic, acute psychosis, delirium, overdose, and withdrawal states. Students examine rapid risk assessment, crisis intervention, de-escalation, environmental safety, emergency medication, observation levels, and the immediate priorities that differ from routine psychiatric nursing care.
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40 free Psychiatric Emergencies MCQs from Mental Health Nursing, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
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