A patient who is admitted to same-day surgery for a partial laryngectomy states, "I know my cancer was found in its early stages but I am so afraid that it will come back." The nurse's best response would be:
A) "I understand you are afraid but you have an excellent doctor."
B) "You are lucky they found your cancer before you needed more radical surgery."
C) "I understand you are afraid. Has the doctor discussed the chance of cancer recurrence?"
D) "Would you like more information about your care immediately after the surgery and when you go home?"
Ans: C
Feedback: The first two and last responses do not address the fear the patient is experiencing. It is important to address the needs of the patient and verify what the physician has discussed and what should be addressed preoperatively. The nurse should then review that the partial laryngectomy is associated with a very high cure rate.
You might also like to view...
The nurse is caring for an infant diagnosed with "failure to thrive." The nurse observes the physician taking blood pressures in all four extremities, and recognizes that the congenital cardiac defect suspected is:
1. Tetralogy of Fallot. 2. Pulmonary atresia. 3. Coarctation of the aorta. 4. Ventricular septal defect.
The nurse uses a diagram to show that the tetralogy of Fallot involves a combination of four congenital defects. What are the defects?
a. Aortic stenosis, atrial septal defect, overriding aorta, left ventricular hypertrophy b. Pulmonary stenosis, ventricular septal defect, overriding aorta, right ventricular hypertrophy c. Aortic stenosis, atrial septal defect, overriding aorta, right ventricular hypertrophy d. Pulmonary stenosis, ventricular septal defect, aortic hypertrophy, left ventricular hypertrophy
The nurse in the emergency department explains to a client who is the victim of domestic violence
that the client's psychosocial history, statements about the battering, a body map detailing injuries, and the photos taken will be placed in the medical record. The nurse also asks the client to return in 2 days for additional photos. The victim begs the nurse not to save the information for fear the perpetrator will find out. The information the nurse can give to the client that will be of greatest relevance in helping her accept the plan includes the facts that the medical record (more than one option may be correct) A. is not available to the perpetrator or his legal counsel. B. will be valuable to the client if she takes legal action later. C. makes pertinent information available to other care providers. D. will provide evidence to law enforcement if another incident occurs. E. can be a resource to providers of treatment to the perpetrator or the victim.
A client with a new cast for his fractured ulna tells the nurse that he cannot feel his fingers. The nurse should initially
a. check for capillary refill in the client's fingers. b. notify the physician immediately. c. reassure the client that this is normal. d. remove the padding around the fingers to increase space.