Final answer:
The nurse's question to the patient about surgery fears is an example of an open-ended question (option A), meant for eliciting a detailed response that enables healthcare professionals to understand a patient's concerns.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse's question, "What do you fear most about your surgery tomorrow?" is an example of an open-ended question (option A). This type of question is designed to encourage a full, meaningful answer using the subject's own knowledge and feelings.
It is an effective communication technique in healthcare settings as it allows patients to express concerns, hopes, and fears in their own words, thus providing healthcare professionals with a deeper understanding of the patient's emotional and psychological state before a surgical procedure.
Open-ended questions contrast with closed-ended questions, which can typically be answered with a 'yes' or 'no' or with a very short response. Using open-ended questions such as in the example helps create a dialogue, inviting the patient to share more information, which can be crucial for preoperative assessments and patient-centered care.