A patient scheduled for an elective hysterectomy tells the nurse, "I am afraid that I will die in surgery like my mother did!" Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
a. "Tell me more about what happened to your mother."
b. "You will receive medications to reduce your anxiety."
c. "You should talk to the doctor again about the surgery."
d. "Surgical techniques have improved a lot in recent years."
ANS: A
The patient's statement may indicate an unusually high anxiety level or a family history of problems such as malignant hyperthermia, which will require precautions during surgery. The other statements may also address the patient's concerns, but further assessment is needed first.
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A patient with depression presents with her family in the emergency room. The family feels the patient should be admitted because "she might hurt herself." An assessment indicates moderate depression with no risk factors for suicide other than the depressed mood itself, and the patient denies any intent or thoughts about self-harm. The family agrees that the patient has not done or said anything to suggest that she might be a danger to herself. Which of the following responses is consistent with the concept of "least restrictive alternative" doctrine?
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