A client who suffers from an anxiety disorder is very upset, has a respiratory rate of 32, and is complaining of lightheadedness and tingling in the fingers. ABG values are pH of 7.48, PaCO2 of 29, HCO3 of 24, and O2 is at 93% on room air. The nurse performs which of the following as a priority nursing intervention?

Provide reassurance to the client and administer sedatives

A client who is anxious and upset, gets lightheaded, and has tingling in the fingers is in respiratory alkalosis. The arterial blood gases include a pH of 7.48, PaCO2 of 29, and HCO3 of 24. Administering sedatives will assist the client to slow breathe and retain more CO2, thus bringing the pH back into normal range. Deep breathing exercises may worsen the clients condition. Encouraging the client to increase activity is contraindicated because clients are often exhausted and require rest after expending so much energy breathing. Monitoring intake and output is not a priority.