A nurse is preparing a client who has chronic anxiety for discharge from the psychiatric unit. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the client’s discharge plan?

Choice A reason: Recognizing situations that trigger anxiety is a key strategy in managing chronic anxiety. By identifying these triggers, the client can develop coping mechanisms, such as relaxation techniques or cognitive-behavioral strategies, to reduce the impact of anxiety and prevent escalation. Choice B reason: Completely eliminating stress and anxiety from daily life is unrealistic, as stress is a normal part of life. Instead, the focus should be on managing anxiety through coping strategies, therapy, or medication, rather than expecting to eliminate it entirely. Choice C reason: While contacting a crisis counselor may be helpful in acute situations, routine weekly contact is not typically part of a discharge plan for chronic anxiety unless specified for ongoing therapy. The focus should be on self-management and regular follow-up with a mental health provider. Choice D reason: Repressing feelings of anxiety is counterproductive and can worsen symptoms over time. Effective anxiety management involves acknowledging and processing emotions, often through techniques like mindfulness or therapy, rather than suppressing them.