On returning from surgery after undergoing a thyroidectomy, a patient is alarmed about the large tracheostomy tray on the bedside table. What is the nurse's most reassuring response when the patient asks why it is there?
a. "We have it there as a precautionary measure in the unlikely event that you have difficulty breathing."
b. "If you start bleeding, we'll be able to take care of it right here at the bedside."
c. "We have to keep it there in case of an emergency and the physician needs it."
d. "It's hospital policy to have it available for persons who are likely to have respiratory arrest."
A
The honest answers without any embellishments are best. Suggesting that any emergency is im-minent will alarm the patient further. The presence of the tray is an item that should be covered in preoperative teaching.
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