Final answer:
To decrease anxiety in an elderly patient before surgery, preoperative medication is usually increased. These medications can include sedatives or anxiolytics, which are preferred over other options like analgesia, therapeutic touch, or sleeping medication for managing preoperative anxiety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question addresses the management of anxiety in an elderly patient scheduled for a mastectomy. In order to decrease anxiety in an 88-year-old woman before surgery, the focus would likely be on C) Preoperative medication. These medications are designed to ease anxiety and may include sedatives or anxiolytics that help calm the patient and make the preoperative experience less stressful. Although options like analgesia and therapeutic touch can also play roles in managing patient care, they are typically supplements rather than primary interventions for pre-surgical anxiety. Furthermore, the use of sleeping medication the night before surgery can help ensure the patient is well-rested, but may not directly address preoperative anxiety. It's essential to work with a medical team, including surgeons, nurses, and anesthesia professionals, who will review all aspects of the patient's care and recovery, including anxiety management.