A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who reports chest pain, headache, and shortness of breath. He continues to state. "I don't know why my wife left me." The client receives a diagnosis of anxiety. The nurse realizes the client's findings support which level of anxiety?

A. Mild anxiety usually presents with slight discomfort, restlessness, or irritability, and the client remains able to focus and problem-solve. B. Severe anxiety is characterized by physical symptoms such as chest pain, headache, shortness of breath, and a preoccupation with specific concerns (e.g., personal problems) that limit the client’s ability to focus on other matters. C. Panic involves sudden, intense terror or dread, often accompanied by inability to communicate or function, and may include distorted perceptions or irrational behavior. The client in this scenario can still verbalize concerns. D. Moderate anxiety causes narrowing of attention and some tension or restlessness, but the physical manifestations and preoccupation in this scenario indicate a more severe level.