The wife of a man diagnosed with prostate cancer appears disheveled and anxious during her visit to her husband. When the patient leaves the floor for testing, the nurse uses the opportunity to approach her
Which of the following approaches by the nurse is most therapeutic? 1. "Would you like to talk about your concerns?"
2. "What is wrong?"
3. "I can see that you are having a difficult time.".
4. "You must be having problems with all of this.".
"Would you like to talk about your concerns?"
Rationale: The spouse of a man diagnosed with prostate cancer can experience stress and anxiety. It is important for the nurse to include her in the plan of care. Asking her to share feelings is a good starting point to assess for her specific needs. Simply asking "what is wrong" may indicate to her that she has made an error or is presenting herself in a negative manner. Expressing to her that you are able to see that she is having difficulties is making a judgment about her coping abilities and does little to open the dialogue. Advising her that she "must" be having problems is a closed statement and does not promote communication.
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