A nurse is caring for a client who appears extremely agitated and believes that pacing the floor a specific number of times is necessary or “something terrible” will happen. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Choice A reason: Telling the client to stop the behavior and dismissing their fear is non-therapeutic. It invalidates the client’s feelings and does not encourage communication. Choice B reason: Acknowledging the difficulty of the client’s compulsion and inviting them to talk about their feelings is therapeutic. It validates their experience, reduces anxiety, and opens the door for supportive dialogue. This is the correct response. Choice C reason: Suggesting the client is seeking attention is judgmental and non-therapeutic. It undermines trust and may increase agitation. Choice D reason: While recognizing the client’s need to expend energy is partially supportive, shifting the focus to anger does not address the client’s expressed fear. It risks misinterpreting the client’s concern and does not directly validate their anxiety.