What should be your first step if a patient displays signs of severe anxiety following an injury?

When a patient displays signs of severe anxiety following an injury, providing emotional support should be your first step. This is crucial because anxiety can significantly affect a patient's ability to process their situation and can lead to further complications, such as hyperventilation or worsening of their overall condition. By offering reassurance and a calm presence, you help alleviate their immediate distress, which can improve their overall condition and make them more receptive to medical care.

Establishing a rapport and creating a safe environment can also help in assessing the patient's physical condition more effectively afterward. While reassessing physical conditions and checking for hidden injuries are essential components of patient care, addressing the emotional and psychological state first helps stabilize the patient, allowing for a more thorough examination and treatment of their physical injuries. Additionally, calling for psychological assistance may be necessary later on, but initially providing emotional support is key to managing acute anxiety in the moment.