A client admitted for an abdominal hysterectomy reports that she has been under a lot of stress since the death of her mother and wonders how that will affect her surgery and recovery
Which of the following nursing statements reflects the most therapeutic response to the client's question?
1. "Being under stress isn't going to help your recovery; you need to relax and focus on yourself and getting well."
2. "Your mother's death must be very stressful for you but she would want you to concentrate on getting healthy."
3. "Stress does have a negative effect on the body's ability to heal; is there anything I can do to help you minimize the stress you feel?"
4. "Your health care provider can prescribe you some medication to help you cope with the stress; would you like me to mention it?"
ANS: 3
Increased stress elevates cortisone levels, causing decreased resistance to infection and the ability to heal. While the other options may not be incorrect, they do not have the degree of therapeutic value as does the answer since it explains the effects of stress and also offers support.
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