A client in an inpatient psychiatric unit becomes increasingly agitated, pacing rapidly and clenching their fists. What is the nurse's initial intervention?

The correct answer to the question "A client in an inpatient psychiatric unit becomes increasingly agitated, pacing rapidly and clenching their fists. What is the nurse's initial intervention?" is Option C: Offer to talk to the client in a calm, non-confrontational manner..

The other options — A) Administer a PRN sedative medication as prescribed., B) Isolate the client in a quiet room to prevent escalation., D) Call for assistance from other staff members to restrain the client. — are incorrect for this NCLEX-RN Exam Prep question. As explained above: The initial intervention for an agitated client is to attempt verbal de-escalation by offering a calm, non-confrontational approach. This helps prevent further escalation and maintains safety for bot…