A client was diagnosed with lung cancer and appears distressed. The client states, "I am so afraid." What is the best action for the nurse to take?
a. Provide comfort by holding the client's hand.
b. Offer to give the client a back rub for re-laxation.
c. Offer the client a PRN antianxiety medi-cation.
d. Ask the client what is causing the most fear right now.
D
A diagnosis of lung cancer often causes fear for many reasons, usually poor prognosis, fear of pain, and fear of dyspnea. The nurse should assess what is worrying the client most at the mo-ment so appropriate interventions can be planned. Touch is often a powerful tool, but the nurse should assess whether this is acceptable to the client. The nurse should assess the client further and provide assistance with coping before offering to medicate him.
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