An HCA is assisting a client with personal care when the client suddenly becomes agitated, breathing rapidly, and states, 'I feel like something terrible is going to happen, and I can't catch my breath!' The client denies chest pain. What is the most appropriate action for the HCA?

Question: An HCA is assisting a client with personal care when the client suddenly becomes agitated, breathing rapidly, and states, 'I feel like something terrible is going to happen, and I can't catch my breath!' The client denies chest pain. What is the most appropriate action for the HCA?

Answer options: ✅ Stay with the client, speak in a calm voice, and encourage slow, deep breaths.

• Leave the client alone in the room to calm down.
• Administer the client's PRN anxiety medication.
• Tell the client to 'just relax' and ignore the symptoms.

Correct answer: Stay with the client, speak in a calm voice, and encourage slow, deep breaths.

Explanation: The client is likely experiencing an anxiety attack. Staying with the client, providing a calm presence, and guiding them through slow, deep breathing can help de-escalate the situation. Administering medication is outside of the HCA's scope of practice.