RNPedia PNLE Nursing Practice 5 Test 1 Practice

Breathing control is the most helpful approach because it directly interrupts the physiological trigger of a panic attack in panic disorder with agoraphobia. When a panic attack begins, rapid, shallow breathing (hyperventilation) lowers carbon dioxide levels in the blood, which can cause dizziness, tingling, lightheadedness, and a sense of suffocation. These sensations amplify fear and perpetuate the attack. Teaching and practicing controlled breathing—slow, diaphragmatic, paced breathing—helps restore CO2 balance, calms the autonomic nervous system, and reduces the intensity and duration of the episode. Patients can use this skill during or between attacks to regain a sense of control. Cognitive restructuring targets thoughts, exposure therapy reduces avoidance, and medication adjustments address overall symptoms but don’t directly prevent SAMPLEthe immediate hyperventilation that fuels panic.