A patient with a bleeding duodenal ulcer has difficulty concentrating,complains of shortness of breath,and experiences sleeplessness because of worrying.What is the nurse's priority after documenting this information in the nurses' notes?

A) Provide emotional support for the patient using reflective listening technique.
B) Do nothing; people with duodenal ulcers typically cannot work.
C) Question the patient's family about the information received from the patient.
D) Notify the primary care provider and ask for a referral to a mental health professional.

The patient's symptoms indicate that they may be experiencing significant anxiety or even a panic attack. These symptoms could also be due to hypoxia resulting from anemia from the bleeding ulcer. The nurse should notify the primary care provider immediately and recommend a referral to a mental health professional to address the patient's emotional and psychological needs. This is the priority to ensure that the patient's safety and well-being are assured. Providing emotional support is important, but only after the patient has received medical attention to address their physical and emotional symptoms. Doing nothing is not appropriate because the patient clearly needs medical attention. Questioning the patient's family is not a priority at this time.