A middle-age female model is admitted for a double mastectomy. On admission the nurse notes that she is depressed and withdrawn. The most appropriate patient-centered nursing intervention(s) might be which of the following? (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. Use a positive and matter-of-fact approach to care.
b. Include the patient in decision making about her care.
c. Be aware of nonverbal behaviors when providing care.
d. Focus on the task when an unpleasant task must be done.
e. Focus matter-of-fact statements on positive aspects of patient healing.

Answer 1

A, B, C, E
A positive and matter-of-fact approach to care provides a model for the patient and family to follow. General nursing interventions, such as appropriately including the patient in decision making, supports most patients' self-concept. Your nonverbal behavior conveys the level of caring that exists for your patient and affects your patient's self-esteem. For example, when an incontinent patient perceives that you find the situation unpleasant, this threatens the patient's self-concept. Anticipate your own reactions, acknowledge them, and focus on the patient instead of the unpleasant task or situation. Matter-of-fact statements such as, "This wound is healing nicely" or "This looks healthy" enhance the body image of the patient.