Ms. Brette is voluntarily admitted, on a short-term basis, to a psychiatric unit for management of her anxiety disorder. She experiences a severe anxiety attack while she is in the client lounge. What should the practical nurse do?

Ms. Brette is voluntarily admitted, on a short-term basis, to a psychiatric unit for management of her anxiety disorder. She experiences a severe anxiety attack while she is in the client lounge. What should the practical nurse do?

• A. Comfort Ms. Brette by holding and hugging her.
• B. Move Ms. Brette closer to other clients.
• C. Administer her ordered prn lorazepam (Ativan).
• D. Take her to her room.

Answer: (C)

When a patient on a psychiatric unit has a severe anxiety attack, the priority is rapid relief of distress while ensuring safety. If there is a PRN anxiolytic ordered for this patient, giving lorazepam as prescribed provides quick, targeted relief of acute anxiety, allowing the patient to regain control and participate in further assessment and care. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam act fast and are commonly used for short-term management of acute anxiety in a controlled setting, with the nurse monitoring for sedation, breathing, and any drug interactions. Other actions don’t effectively address the acute anxiety or can raise safety and boundary concerns. Holding or hugging the patient crosses professional boundaries and may not alleviate the anxiety. Moving the patient closer to others could increase stimulation and agitation. Taking her to her room might isolate her and delay intervention. Administering the PRN medication as ordered is the most appropriate immediate response, followed by ongoing assessment and supportive care.

When a patient on a psychiatric unit has a severe anxiety attack, the priority is rapid relief of distress while ensuring safety. If there is a PRN anxiolytic ordered for this patient, giving lorazepam as prescribed provides quick, targeted relief of acute anxiety, allowing the patient to regain control and participate in further assessment and care. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam act fast and are commonly used for short-term management of acute anxiety in a controlled setting, with the nurse monitoring for sedation, breathing, and any drug interactions.

Other actions don’t effectively address the acute anxiety or can raise safety and boundary concerns. Holding or hugging the patient crosses professional boundaries and may not alleviate the anxiety. Moving the patient closer to others could increase stimulation and agitation. Taking her to her room might isolate her and delay intervention. Administering the PRN medication as ordered is the most appropriate immediate response, followed by ongoing assessment and supportive care.