A client with generalized anxiety disorder does not want to communicate with friends, smokes 2 to 3 packages of cigarettes a day, and describes difficulty concentrating at work. Which coping strategy should the nurse include in the plan of care?

A. Analyze past hurts and resentments to identify the source. This strategy is more appropriate for clients in therapy to address past trauma. It is not the immediate focus for managing anxiety. B. Concentrate on and ventilate emotions when distressed. While expressing emotions is important, it might not be the most effective strategy for generalized anxiety disorder, as it can sometimes exacerbate anxiety. C. Focus on small achievable tasks, not taxing problems. This approach helps the client manage anxiety by breaking down large tasks into manageable steps, which reduces the overwhelming feelings associated with generalized anxiety disorder. D. Relax and reduce the amount of effort to solve the problem. Relaxation is useful, but focusing on small, achievable tasks is a more effective way to manage anxiety in this scenario.