After learning about the need for a cesarean birth, the pregnant patient begins to cry and hyperventilate. Which nursing diagnosis should the nurse use to guide the care that the patient needs at this time?

Question

A) Fear related to impending surgery
B) Risk for infection related to a surgical incision
C) Powerlessness related to medical need for cesarean birth
D) Risk for impaired parent/infant attachment related to unplanned method of birth

Answer 1

A
Feedback:
The patient's emotional response after learning about a cesarean birth is most likely fear. The nurse should use the diagnosis of "fear related to impending surgery" to guide interventions at this time. The patient's emotional response is not likely because of a risk of infection, powerlessness, or a risk for impaired parent/infant attachment.