How can a nurse best support a patient dealing with anxiety?

Providing education and therapeutic communication is essential in supporting a patient dealing with anxiety. This approach fosters a trusting relationship between the nurse and the patient, which can help alleviate feelings of apprehension and fear. Education empowers patients by helping them understand their anxiety, recognize triggers, and learn coping strategies.

Therapeutic communication involves active listening, validating feelings, and using open-ended questions, allowing patients to express their concerns and emotions freely. This engagement promotes a sense of safety and control, which is crucial for someone experiencing anxiety. A nurse who employs these techniques can help patients feel more understood and less isolated, improving their overall psychosocial well-being.

In contrast, options focusing on immediate medication, limiting interactions, or promoting independence could inadvertently escalate the patient's anxiety or hinder their coping process. These strategies do not build the essential support relationship needed during moments of anxiety.