A patient with a high level of motor activity runs from chair to chair and cries, "They're coming! They're coming!" The patient does not follow instructions or respond to verbal interventions from staff. The initial nursing intervention of highest priority is to:
A) provide for patient safety.
B) increase environmental stimuli.
C) respect the patient's personal space.
D) encourage the clarification of feelings.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Safety is of highest priority; the patient who is experiencing panic is at high risk for self-injury related to an increase in non-goal-directed motor activity, distorted perceptions, and disordered thoughts. The goal should be to decrease the environmental stimuli. Respecting the patient's personal space is a lower priority than safety. The clarification of feelings cannot take place until the level of anxiety is lowered.

A Patient with a High Level of Motor Activity Runs