After witnessing a child's drowning, a client is in severe anxiety. What is the nurse's first action?

In the situation of a client experiencing severe anxiety after witnessing a traumatic event like a child's drowning, the most immediate and effective action a nurse can take is to provide a calming environment. Taking the client to a quiet room serves to minimize external distractions, reduce stimuli that could exacerbate the anxiety, and create a safe space for the client to begin coping with their emotions.

The immediate priority in this scenario is to establish a sense of safety and security, which a quiet setting can greatly facilitate. This calm environment allows the client to begin to process their experience without the additional stress of noise or chaotic surroundings.

While other approaches, such as teaching relaxation techniques or encouraging discussion about the event, are valuable therapeutic interventions, they may not be suitable in the acute phase of severe anxiety. The initial focus should be on stabilizing the client’s emotional state first, making the quiet room a pivotal first step in effective nursing care.