Crisis Intervention And De-Escalation Priorities Practice Test

A 21-year-old client in the emergency department after a panic episode is hyperventilating and saying, “I’m dying,” while grabbing at the nurse’s arm. The client is standing in a busy hallway near the nurses’ station with multiple onlookers. The nurse should implement which strategy IMMEDIATELY?

A 60-year-old client arrives at the emergency department after a recent spouse death and states, “I have pills at home and I’m going to take them all.” The client is calm but has flat affect and avoids eye contact; the client’s adult child is at bedside and repeatedly answers questions for the client. Which action should the nurse take FIRST to de-escalate the situation and ensure safety?