A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about caring for clients in an emergency department. Which of the following actions should the nurse include when teaching about interacting with a client who is aggravated, pacing, and speaking loudly?

Acknowledging the client's emotional state ("You seem to be very upset") is a therapeutic de-escalation technique that validates feelings and opens communication without aggression. Seclusion is a last resort and requires documented clinical justification — it cannot be initiated for agitation alone without attempting verbal de-escalation. A face shield is for infection or physical aggression risk, not emotional agitation. The panic alarm escalates the situation unnecessarily at this stage.