How should you approach a patient who is exhibiting signs of anxiety?

Approaching a patient who is exhibiting signs of anxiety requires a sensitive and empathetic response. Validating their feelings helps to create a supportive environment where the patient feels heard and understood. This approach encourages open communication and can alleviate their anxiety by showing that you acknowledge their emotions. By calmly addressing their concerns, you foster trust and comfort, which can enhance their willingness to engage in the care process and cooperate with the healthcare team.

In contrast to this supportive approach, ignoring a patient's concerns can exacerbate their anxiety, as it may lead them to feel neglected or dismissed. Providing distractions without genuinely listening or addressing underlying anxieties can lead to feelings of frustration or isolation, as the patient may not feel their concerns are truly being addressed. Changing the subject quickly can come across as dismissive, potentially increasing the patient's distress rather than alleviating it. Thus, validating feelings while maintaining a calm demeanor is the most effective way to help a patient manage anxiety.