A 23-Year-Old Patient in the Clinic Appears Anxious

Multiple Choice

A 23-year-old patient in the clinic appears anxious.Her speech is rapid,and she is fidgety and in constant motion.Which of these questions or statements would be most appropriate for the nurse to use in this situation to assess attention span?

A) "How do you usually feel? Is this normal behavior for you?"
B) "I am going to say four words. In a few minutes, I will ask you to recall them."
C) "Describe the meaning of the phrase, 'Looking through rose-colored glasses.'"
D) "Pick up the pencil in your left hand, move it to your right hand, and place it on the table."