A patient is being treated on the mental health unit for a somatoform disorder. The patient approaches the nurse and says she feels dizzy, weak, and her heart is racing. Her nursing care plan includes...

A patient is being treated on the mental health unit for a somatoform disorder. The patient approaches the nurse and says she feels dizzy, weak, and her heart is racing. Her nursing care plan includes interventions of imagery exercises and prn alprazolam (Xanax) for identified symptoms of anxiety. What should the nurse do first?

a. Instruct the patient to sit and breathe deeply.

 b. Give the patient the prescribed prn Xanax.

c. Measure the patient’s vital signs.

d. Instruct the patient in an imagery exercise.