The nurse anticipates the client will most likely demonstrate which emotional response during an exacerbation of heart failure?

A. Anger: Anger may occur in some patients but is not the most common immediate emotional response to acute dyspnea. B. Stoicism: Stoicism (minimizing symptoms) can be a coping style but is not the typical acute emotional reaction during an exacerbation. C. Anxiety: Acute shortness of breath commonly produces anxiety and panic as the patient experiences air hunger - this is the most likely emotional response. D. Depression: Depression is possible with chronic illness but is less likely to be the predominant immediate response during an acute exacerbation.