During a panic attack, what is the first nursing intervention a nurse should take?

In the context of a panic attack, the initial nursing intervention involves teaching the client to practice abdominal breathing. This technique is crucial because it helps the individual regulate their breathing, which can often become rapid and shallow during a panic attack. By focusing on deep, controlled breathing, the client can initiate a physiological response that counteracts the panic response, ultimately leading to a sense of calm and control.

Moreover, engaging the client in abdominal breathing serves to distract them from their anxiety and brings their focus inward, allowing them to regain some sense of agency over their panic. This foundational intervention can lay the groundwork for further therapeutic strategies.

While administering anti-anxiety medication might seem beneficial, it is typically not the first approach during an active panic attack, as immediate non-pharmacological strategies can often be more effective in the moment. Encouraging the client to talk about their feelings might also be helpful, but it may not provide the immediate relief that breathing techniques offer. Supportive therapy without intervention does not directly address the symptoms the client is experiencing. Focusing on breathing is a practical and immediate way to help manage the situation at hand.