Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for rotator cuff surgery. The client tells the nurse, "My shoulder doesn't hurt that badly. I want to wait on the surgery." Which of the following responses should the nurse give?

Option 1: "I understand your concerns. Let's discuss the reasons for the surgery and the potential benefits again."
Option 2: "It's important to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations. Delaying the surgery might lead to complications."
Option 3: "You can wait if you feel comfortable, but keep in mind that the surgeon recommended the procedure for a reason."
Option 4: "If the pain is manageable for you, we can explore non-surgical options. I'll inform the healthcare team about your decision."

Answer 1

The nurse should offer to discuss the reasons and benefits of the surgery again with the client, showing understanding and providing further information to address their concerns, and if the client's pain is manageable, non-surgical options such as physical therapy can be considered.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client expresses hesitation about proceeding with rotator cuff surgery, a professional and supportive response is necessary. Among the four options, the most appropriate response would be "I understand your concerns. Let's discuss the reasons for the surgery and the potential benefits again." This invites dialogue and addresses the client's apprehensions while providing more information about the procedure.

Rotator cuff injuries can be a result of repetitive movements, inflammation or degeneration, and can lead to more serious issues if left untreated. Exploring all options, including the possibility of non-surgical intervention, such as physical therapy, might be appropriate if the client is uncertain. However, the nurse should emphasize the importance of considering the healthcare provider's recommendations while ensuring that the client is heard and their preferences are respected.

Option 4 also stands out as it respects the client's current comfort level and encourages exploration of alternative management strategies. The nurse's role includes educating the client about surgical and non-surgical options, ensuring the client's informed consent, and advocating for their decisions in the healthcare team discussions.