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. Assist the client with relaxation techniques in the group: Relaxation strategies are useful for mild to moderate anxiety, but a client experiencing severe anxiety may not be able to focus or benefit from these techniques within the group setting due to sensory overload and impaired concentration. B. Escort the client from the group to reduce stimuli: Removing the client from the group environment decreases external stimuli, which is essential for managing severe anxiety. A calmer, quieter setting allows the client to regain control, stabilize physiologic responses, and prepare for therapeutic interventions safely. C. Provide education about ways to cope with anxiety: Education is important for long-term management, but a client in severe anxiety is unlikely to process or retain information effectively. Immediate safety and symptom stabilization take priority over teaching at this stage. D. Ask the client to describe and identify the source of the feelings: Encouraging discussion of triggers can be therapeutic during lower levels of anxiety, but severe anxiety limits the client’s cognitive processing and verbal communication. Attempting this during a crisis may increase distress rather than provide relief.