Managing Acute Anxiety in Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Hard Mental Health Concepts Anxiety Disorders

A 25-year-old female patient presents to the emergency department exhibiting signs of extreme restlessness, a rapid heartbeat, and uncontrollable worry about an upcoming job interview. She reports feeling 'on edge' and unable to relax. After assessment, the nurse determines that the patient meets the criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Which nursing intervention would be most effective in helping this patient manage her anxiety in the acute setting?

Encourage the patient to avoid discussing her worries.

Teach the patient deep breathing techniques.

Suggest the patient engage in distraction techniques such as playing a video game.

Advise the patient to write down her anxious thoughts to keep them organized.

Hint

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