A nurse is caring for a client who begins yelling and pacing around the room. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply.)

When a client becomes agitated — yelling and pacing — the nurse's priority is de-escalation using therapeutic communication and environmental management. Identifying the client's stressors is essential because understanding the underlying trigger allows the nurse to address the root cause of the behavior and tailor interventions appropriately. Speaking to the client using short, simple sentences is equally important; a highly agitated person has diminished capacity to process complex language, so clear and brief communication is more likely to be heard and understood, helping to calm the situation. Requesting security to restrain the client immediately is inappropriate and potentially harmful because restraints are a last resort used only when the client poses an imminent danger to self or others and less restrictive measures have failed. Standing directly in front of the client is inadvisable because it can feel confrontational and escalate aggression; the nurse should stand at an angle to reduce perceived threat. Speaking in a loud voice would mirror and reinforce the client's agitation rather than model calm, and it can be interpreted as threatening. The nurse's role is to de-escalate through empathy, calm presence, and targeted communication before any restrictive interventions are considered.