Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 63%
Simulated
A client is becoming increasingly agitated, anxious, and tense. The nurse notes a clenched jaw and a change in the pitch of the client's voice. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Verbal de-escalation is the first-line intervention for managing escalating behavior. It uses calm, non-confrontational communication to reduce agitation without resorting to physical or chemical restraints, which should be last resorts only if safety is imminently threatened and de-escalation fails.