Question

On the evening before a modified radical mastectomy, a 29 y/o patient tells the nurse she is afraid that her husband will not find her sexually attractive if her breasts are removed. Which of the following responses by the nurse is BEST?

A. You shouldn't think about that tonight; you have plenty to worry about.
B. If your husband really loves you, it won't bother him.
C. You're worried about how he'll react to the change in your body.
D. Reconstructive surgery can be done so that your breast will look the same

Answer 1

The nurse should validate the patient's feelings by choosing response C, acknowledging her worry about her husband's reaction to her body after a mastectomy. This approach is empathetic and supportive, which is crucial for patient care.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's best response to a 29-year-old patient expressing fear about her husband's perception of attractiveness post-mastectomy is option C: You're worried about how he'll react to the change in your body. This response validates the patient's feelings and concerns without making assumptions about the husband's reaction or suggesting that she should ignore her feelings. It opens the door to a more in-depth conversation about her fears and provides an opportunity for the nurse to offer support and potentially discuss options like counseling for both the patient and her husband to navigate these changes. Response B is dismissive of the patient's legitimate concern, and A avoids the topic. While D provides practical information about reconstructive surgery, it doesn't directly address the patient's current emotional concern.