A client and his family are waiting for the results of clinical tests to determine whether the client has an infection. They are becoming anxious. What is the most important assessment that the nurse should make of the client and family members?

Question

a. Understanding of insurance reimburse-ment for testing
b. Use of appropriate coping mechanisms for anxiety
c. Understanding of the infectious disease process
d. Understanding of the diagnostic proce-dures

Answer 1

D
Assess the client's and family's level of understanding about various diagnostic procedures and the time required to obtain test results. This is more important than whether the family has any understanding of their insurance and will help reduce anxiety if understanding is accurate. The client with an infectious disease often has psychosocial concerns. Delay in diagnosis caused by the need to wait for clinical test results produces anxiety. Plan education on infection risk reduc-tion when the client and the family are ready to learn.