When caring for a client with a pulmonary embolism, which priority intervention will the nurse use to reduce anxiety?

Choice A rationale A pulmonary embolism (PE) causes hypoxemia and chest pain, which significantly elevates anxiety and the sense of impending doom in a client. Remaining with the client provides constant reassurance and a sense of safety, which helps decrease fear. Providing supplemental oxygen directly addresses the physiological cause of anxiety, which is the hypoxia (low oxygen saturation) resulting from the PE. Choice B rationale Having the client breathe into a paper bag is a technique used to manage hyperventilation syndrome, where excessive carbon dioxide (CO2) is exhaled, causing respiratory alkalosis. While anxiety may cause hyperventilation, in the context of a PE, the client is typically hypoxic and needs more oxygen, not CO2 rebreathing. This intervention is inappropriate and could worsen the client's hypoxemia. Choice C rationale While a mild sedative can pharmacologically reduce anxiety, non-pharmacological interventions that address the underlying cause and provide psychological support are usually the first line of defense. Remaining with the client and providing oxygen addresses both the psychological fear and the physiological hypoxia, which are the main drivers of anxiety in a pulmonary embolism. Choice D rationale Allowing a family member to remain in the room can certainly be comforting and beneficial for the client's psychological support. However, this is generally a secondary measure. The priority intervention to manage the client's anxiety during an acute PE episode is the physical presence of the nurse combined with essential physiological support like oxygen administration.