While conducting the initial interview with a patient in crisis, the nurse should do which of the following?

Choice A reason: In a crisis, the patient is often disorganized and overwhelmed. Active listening and frequent summarization help the nurse ensure accuracy, show the patient they are being heard, and help the patient organize their thoughts. This technique facilitates the identification of the precipitating event and current coping skills. Choice B reason: While a crisis is an acute event, the nurse should remain calm and steady. Conveying a sense of urgency can escalate the patient's anxiety and further disorganize their thinking. The nurse's role is to provide a "holding environment" that feels safe and grounded. Choice C reason: A therapeutic interview should be collaborative rather than authoritarian. While the nurse provides structure, claiming "control" can damage the rapport and make the patient feel disempowered. Empowerment is a key goal of crisis intervention to help the patient regain their sense of autonomy. Choice D reason: While time limits exist in clinical settings, making them a primary focus of the initial interview can make the patient feel rushed or unimportant. The priority in the first meeting is establishing rapport and assessing safety and the nature of the crisis.