A client is upset that the doctor will not increase his pain medication and is now pacing up and down the hall, angrily mumbling to himself. Which nurse will be most successful at de-escalating the client? The nurse who…

A: Telling the patient their behavior is upsetting the milieu and asking them to stay in their room may escalate the situation by making the patient feel dismissed and isolated. B: Avoiding addressing the behavior and giving PRN pain medication without discussing the patient’s concerns does not address the underlying issue and may reinforce the behavior. C: Listening empathetically to the patient and collaborating with them to manage pain is the most effective approach. It shows the patient that their concerns are being heard and that the nurse is willing to work with them to find a solution, which can help de-escalate the situation. D: Calling for the security team to make frequent rounds may increase the patient’s agitation and sense of being controlled, which can escalate the situation further.