A nurse who is co-leading group therapy recognizes that a client is beginning to experience severe levels of anxiety. Which intervention is best for the nurse to implement?

A. Helping the client practice relaxation techniques within the group may not be effective for severe anxiety because the environment may still be overstimulating. The client may not be able to focus or participate until anxiety decreases. B. Escorting the client from the group to a quieter environment is the priority intervention for severe anxiety. Reducing environmental stimuli helps the client regain control, decreases physiological arousal, and allows the nurse to implement therapeutic interventions safely. C. Providing education about coping strategies is appropriate for mild to moderate anxiety but is ineffective during a severe anxiety episode because the client’s ability to process information is impaired. D. Asking the client to describe and identify the source of anxiety can increase stress and is not appropriate during a severe anxiety state. Therapeutic exploration is better initiated once the client’s anxiety is reduced.