What should a nurse instruct a client with panic disorder to focus on during breathing techniques?

Focusing on feeling the muscles relax while exhaling is a beneficial technique for a client with panic disorder. This approach promotes awareness of bodily sensations that accompany relaxation, helping to counteract the physical symptoms of panic. During a panic attack, tension often manifests in the body, and recognizing the release of that tension can reinforce a sense of control and calmness. As clients concentrate on the process of exhaling and the associated muscle relaxation, they can effectively reduce anxiety and regain a state of relaxation.

Deep, controlled breathing encourages the body’s parasympathetic response, which is responsible for relaxation, and it helps to decrease the heart rate and promote a sense of safety. This focus can also assist in grounding the client, steering their attention away from overwhelming panic thoughts and physical sensations.

While the other techniques mentioned may offer some level of benefit, they do not provide the same emphasis on muscle relaxation that can significantly help individuals experiencing panic. Counting breaths may lead to a focus on metrics rather than relaxation, taking rapid, shallow breaths tends to exacerbate anxiety, and visualizing calming images, though useful, may not directly engage the physical aspect of relaxation that is critical in managing a panic response.