Anxiety Nursing Care Plan: 2 Sample Plans and Interventions

Anxiety is a feeling of worry or dread that can range from mild to panic. Calm presence, clear communication, and building coping skills are at the center of care.

A · AssessmentD · DiagnosisP · PlanningI · InterventionE · Evaluation

Each care plan below follows the nursing process (ADPIE).

CARE PLAN 1 · NURSING DIAGNOSIS

Anxiety

Related to

Situational stress, new diagnosis, or unmet needs

As evidenced by

Restlessness
Rapid speech and difficulty focusing
Tachycardia
Client states feeling nervous or on edge

PLANNING · EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Short-term goals

Client uses one coping strategy to lower anxiety during the shift

Long-term goals

Client identifies triggers and uses healthy coping at home

ASSESSMENT

Level of anxiety (mild, moderate, severe, panic)
Physical signs like heart rate and breathing
Safety and suicide risk if indicated

INTERVENTIONS AND RATIONALES

INTERVENTION	RATIONALE
Stay with the client and speak calmly in short, simple sentences	A calm presence lowers anxiety.
Reduce noise and stimulation	Less stimulation helps the client focus.
Teach slow breathing and grounding	Gives the client tools to calm the body.
Give anti-anxiety medication as ordered	Can relieve severe symptoms.

EVALUATION

Client reports feeling calmer
Vital signs return toward baseline

CARE PLAN 2 · NURSING DIAGNOSIS

Ineffective Coping

Related to

Overwhelming stress
Limited support

As evidenced by

Client says they cannot cope
Trouble sleeping or concentrating

PLANNING · EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Short-term goals

Client names two support people or resources

Long-term goals

Client uses healthy coping strategies consistently

ASSESSMENT

Current coping methods and support system

INTERVENTIONS AND RATIONALES

INTERVENTION	RATIONALE
Use open-ended, reflective questions	Encourages the client to express feelings.
Help the client set small, realistic goals	Builds a sense of control.
Refer to counseling or support groups	Provides ongoing help.

EVALUATION

Client describes a coping plan

Practice this in This vs That

Pick the therapeutic response in head-to-head choices.

Play This vs That

Quick answers

What is the first step with a client in a panic attack?

Stay with them, keep them safe, and speak calmly and simply. Teaching can wait until the anxiety lowers.

For learning only. Individualize every care plan to your client, and follow your program, current guidelines, provider orders, and facility policy.