Question

You are caring for a 35-year-old female with pregnancy-related complications. She is clearly experiencing significant stress and is crying uncontrollably. Your MOST appropriate action would be to:

A. demonstrate courtesy and speak with a professional tone of voice.
B. restrain her if she is extremely emotional and will not calm down.
C. discourage her from expressing fears until a counselor is available
D. tell her that "everything will be all right" to calm her down

Answer 1

In a situation with a pregnant patient experiencing significant stress, the best action is to demonstrate courtesy and maintain a professional tone while providing support. Restraint or dismissing the patient's concerns is not appropriate. Correct option is A.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate action to take in this scenario is to demonstrate courtesy and speak with a professional tone of voice. It is important to remain calm and professional while also showing empathy to the patient's situation. Emotional support and active listening are crucial as they contribute to a therapeutic environment for the patient.

Restraint is only necessary if the patient poses an immediate threat to herself or others, which does not seem to be the case here based solely on her emotional state. Discouraging expression of fear can invalidate the patient's feelings and may heighten her stress. Telling her that 'everything will be all right' without basis can be dismissive of her genuine concerns and is not advised without further assessment of the situation and knowledge of the outcomes.