The nurse is caring for a patient who the night before surgery is withdrawn and sad. The patient says, "I am scared of this surgery." Which of the following would be the nurse's best response?
a. "It's normal to be scared. What is it that scares you?"
b. "I would be scared, too. You will make it through."
c. "Don't be so concerned. Everything will be all right."
d. "Be happy, because this surgery will help you."
ANS: A
A. The word surgery causes a common emotional reaction in patients. The nurse who understands this can reassure the patient that this is normal and then ask an open-ended question to collect data about this fear to determine what should be done next. B and C. Reassurance that you do not know to be 100% true should never be given. D. This answer is not therapeutic in that it does not explore and identify what is concerning the patient for possible intervention.
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