A client returns to the mental health clinic for assistance with an anxiety reaction that is manifested by a rapid heartbeat, sweating, shaking, and nausea while driving over the bay bridge. Which action in the treatment plan should the nurse implement?

A. Recommend that the client avoid driving over the bridge: Avoidance reinforces the anxiety and prevents the client from developing effective coping mechanisms. Over time, this may worsen the phobia and reduce the client’s functional independence and quality of life. B. Teach the client to listen to music or audio books while driving: Calming distractions can help reduce anxiety symptoms and promote gradual exposure to the feared situation. This approach supports desensitization while helping the client stay in control and manage symptoms. C. Tell the client to drive over the bridge until fear is manageable: Flooding, or forced prolonged exposure, may overwhelm the client and worsen anxiety. A more gradual, supportive approach is generally safer and more effective in treating specific and anxiety. D. Encourage the client to have the spouse drive in stressful places: Delegating driving to someone else may provide short-term relief, but it limits the client’s independence and does not promote long-term coping or resolution of the anxiety trigger.