NCLEX RN Practice Question

The correct answer is for the nurse to take the time to acknowledge the client’s feelings and offer reassurance while providing a calming strategy. This approach demonstrates therapeutic communication, validates the patient’s emotional state, and creates trust. Remaining nearby but respecting boundaries is critical to promoting a sense of safety. Administering a medication without first attempting non-pharmacologic strategies fails to address the root cause of the client's behavior or feelings and should not be the first step. Ignoring the behavior or demanding that the client settle down is dismissive and does not foster a supportive environment. Contacting security to monitor the client prematurely escalates the situation, which could increase their distress or sense of unsafety.