What is the first intervention a nurse should implement for a client having a panic attack?

In the context of a client experiencing a panic attack, initiating abdominal breathing is an effective intervention as it directly addresses physiological symptoms of anxiety. Panic attacks are often accompanied by hyperventilation, which can lead to decreased carbon dioxide levels in the blood and exacerbate feelings of panic. By instructing the client to engage in abdominal breathing, the nurse helps to promote a slower, more controlled breath pattern, which can reduce symptoms such as dizziness and shortness of breath.

Abdominal breathing also encourages relaxation and can provide the client with a sense of control over their body during an overwhelming experience. This technique fosters a calming effect by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to mitigate the panic response.

While providing a quiet room (reducing stimuli) or encouraging the client to talk about their feelings can be useful in certain situations, they do not address the immediate physiological symptoms as directly as abdominal breathing. Additionally, administering supplemental oxygen is typically not warranted unless the client's oxygen saturation is indeed low or there are clear signs of respiratory distress. In a panic attack scenario, the focus should first be on calming the client through techniques like abdominal breathing.