A female client reports to her primary care physician with complaints of recent aggravated chest pain. The physician orders a cardiac stress test

Question

The client tells the nurse that she does not want to take the test and feels she should instead continue with her current medication a little longer. Understanding that the client is anxious, what is the most appropriate response by the nurse? A) "Emergency equipment is always kept ready."
B) "Tell me more about how you are feeling."
C) "Don't you want to improve your health?"
D) "Most people tolerate the procedure quite well."

Answer 1

B
Feedback:
The client may have been anxious due to fear and anxiety related to the stress test. The nurse should try to explore the client's feelings by letting her express her concerns. Asking the client open-ended questions is best because it expresses concern for the client and encourages the client to verbalize her feelings. Stating that emergency equipment is always kept ready evokes more fear and interrupts communication. Questioning whether the client wants to get well or that others have tolerated this procedure quite well is inappropriate.