A patient has been discharged home after thoracic surgery. The home care nurse makes her initial visit and finds the patient discouraged and depressed. The client states, "I am recovering so slowly
I really thought I would be better by now." What nursing action is most important at this time?
A) Give emotional support to the patient and family.
B) Schedule a visit to the patient's primary physician within 24 hours.
C) Notify the physician that the patient needs a referral to a psychologist.
D) Place a referral for a social worker to visit the patient.
Ans: A
Feedback: The recovery process may take longer than the patient had expected, and providing support to the patient is an important task for the home care nurse. It is not necessary, based on this scenario, to schedule a visit with the physician within 24 hours, or to get a referral to a psychologist or a social worker.
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