Author Question: A nurse flying home is called to the front of the airplane by the flight attendant because a woman ... (Read 94 times)

bobthebuilder · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A nurse flying home is called to the front of the airplane by the flight attendant because a woman in the first row is having a panic attack and stating, I have got to get off of this plane The nurse knows that which treatment is best at this

1. Ask the woman to focus on the nurse's voice.
2. Ask the other patrons if someone has any alprazalom (Xanax) available.
3. Administer an emergency epinephrine shot to counteract the panic symptoms.
4. Instruct the woman to breathe in through the nose and blow out through the mouth.

Question 2

What is the priority action by the nurse for a patient having a severe panic attack?

1. Explaining about anxiety
2. Teaching about ways to decrease anxiety
3. Reassuring and protecting until the episode subsides
4. Providing a physical activity to redirect patient focus

Athena23 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 4
Explanation: Controlling breathing will help ease a panic attack or for anyone in distress. Guide patients to control breathing by breathing in slowly through the nose for 4 counts; hold breath for 2 counts; and blow air through the mouth as if blowing up a balloon slowly for 4 counts.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 3
Explanation: Offering firm reassurance and protection until the episode subsides provides safety for the patient. Teaching about anxiety and ways to decrease anxiety are not appropriate because a patient who is having a severe panic attack cannot learn at this level of anxiety. The patient is unable to focus on a physical activity at this level of anxiety.