A client is scheduled for coronary artery bypass surgery in the morning. In the middle of the night, the nurse finds the client wide awake. The client demonstrates symptoms of extreme anxiety and tells the nurse about wanting to refuse the surgery. Which statement by the nurse would be most appropriate? A)"Please try not to worry, you have an excellent surgeon." B)"Tell me about how you feel about your surgery." C)"Why are you considering refusing the surgery?" D)"You have the right to make your own decisions and can refuse the surgery."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

"Tell me about how you feel about your surgery," is the most appropriate statement to encourage the client to express the source of anxiety. Using an open-ended question enables the client to take control of the conversation and direct it to concerns about the surgery. The nurse can then address the specific concerns identified and provide individualized explanations and support. (Option A) This statement is nontherapeutic as giving false reassurance minimizes the client's concerns and diminishes trust between the nurse and client. (Option C) This statement is nontherapeutic and intimidating. Asking "why" and "how" is an ineffective method of gathering information. (Option D) A client may share a decision with the nurse in an effort to discuss feelings. This statement is nontherapeutic because giving approval of the client's decision does not encourage the client to express concerns about the surgery. Educational objective: Therapeutic conversation techniques (eg, active listening, using open-ended questions) encourage the client to express feelings and ideas and establish an open, trusting relationship with the nurse. Nontherapeutic communication techniques (eg, expressing approval or disapproval, giving advice, asking why) discourage expression of feelings and ideas and close down the conversation between the nurse and client.

A Client Is Scheduled for Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery in the Morning