The nurse is about to go over the patient's preoperative teaching per hospital protocol.She finds the patient sitting in bed wringing her hands,which are sweaty,and acting slightly agitated.The patient states,"I'm scared that something will go wrong tomorrow." How should the nurse respond?

A) Redirect her focus to dealing with the patient's anxiety.
B) Tell the patient that everything will be all right and continue teaching.
C) Tell the patient that she will return later to do the teaching.
D) Give the patient antianxiety medication.

Question

Hector De Mesa · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : A, Explanation :  Anxiety interferes with comprehension,attention,and problem-solving abilities and thus interferes with the patient's care and treatment.To ensure the effectiveness of treatment,the nurse should try to help the patient understand the source of the anxiety.Ignoring the anxiety,medicating for it,and postponing the discussion are all inappropriate.

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