A 33-year-old individual presents to the emergency department visibly distressed after learning of an unexpected job loss. The patient is pacing, expressing hopelessness about the future, and showing difficulty concentrating on the assessment questions. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize to address the immediate needs of this patient?
Establish a therapeutic rapport and assure safety.
Apply physical restraints to prevent potential harm due to the patient's agitated state.
Immediately initiate a discussion about long-term career plans and coping mechanisms.
Offer the patient food and fluids to foster a sense of care and comfort.