For a patient experiencing panic, which nursing intervention should be implemented first?

A) Teach relaxation techniques.
B) Administer an anxiolytic medication.
C) Prepare to implement physical controls.
D) Provide calm, brief, directive communication.

Calm, brief, directive verbal interaction can help the patient gain control of overwhelming feelings and impulses related to anxiety. Patients experiencing panic-level anxiety are unable to focus on reality; thus, learning relaxation techniques is virtually impossible. Administering anxiolytic medication should be considered if providing calm, brief, directive communication is ineffective. Although the patient is disorganized, violence may not be imminent, ruling out the intervention of preparing for physical control until other less-restrictive measures are proven ineffective.