A nurse is caring for a young adult client who says he is experiencing increased anxiety and an inability to concentrate. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Choice A reason: Asking “why” the client feels anxious may seem judgmental and implies the client should know the cause, potentially increasing anxiety. It does not foster therapeutic communication or gather critical information about the client’s condition, which is driven by neurochemical imbalances like elevated cortisol or serotonin dysregulation in anxiety disorders. Choice B reason: Asking about talking to parents is inappropriate for a young adult, as it assumes dependency and dismisses autonomy. It fails to address the client’s immediate anxiety and concentration issues, which may stem from neurobiological factors like amygdala hyperactivity, requiring a more empathetic and relevant response. Choice C reason: Stating “It sounds like you’re having a difficult time” validates the client’s feelings, fostering therapeutic communication. This empathetic response builds trust, encouraging the client to share more about their anxiety and concentration issues, which may involve dysregulation of neurotransmitters like GABA or norepinephrine, facilitating further assessment and support. Choice D reason: Asking about the duration of symptoms is useful for assessment but does not immediately validate the client’s emotional experience. Anxiety and concentration issues may involve heightened amygdala activity, but a therapeutic response prioritizing empathy is more effective initially to establish rapport before delving into symptom history.