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

A) Teach relaxation techniques.
B) Administer an anxiolytic medication.
C) Provide calm, brief, directive communication.
D) Gather a show of force in preparation for gaining physical control.

Calm, brief, directive verbal interaction can help the patient gain control of the 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 an 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.