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The mother of two toddler boys is scheduled for a breast biopsy. She has expressed concern about the fact that her husband might leave her if she loses a breast. Which of the following would be an appropriate response by the nurse?

A) "You shouldn't worry about that; it's just a biopsy."
B) "Your husband loves you for who you are, and losing a breast won't change that."
C) "I'm sure everything will be fine; there's no need to stress about it."
D) "Let's focus on the biopsy for now, and we can discuss your concerns further after the procedure."

User Fenerlitk
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Final answer:

The nurse should choose response D, which offers to focus on the biopsy while acknowledging the mother's concerns and promising to address them later. This approach is empathetic and maintains a professional concentration on immediate healthcare needs while reassuring the patient of ongoing support.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate response by the nurse in this scenario would be option D: "Let's focus on the biopsy for now, and we can discuss your concerns further after the procedure." This response is professional and empathetic, acknowledging the mother's concerns but also guiding her to concentrate on the immediate medical issue. The nurse offers to continue the conversation post-procedure, providing the support needed by the patient at this time.

Healthcare professionals need to address not only the physical aspects of a procedure but also the emotional and psychological impacts it may have. In Rebecca's case, for instance, while she was nervous about the genetic testing, the counselor explained the potential benefits, such as earlier and more frequent screenings if harmful mutations were found.

It is vital to remember that stressors, including health-related worries, can often be managed with proper care and support. The mother of the two toddler boys can be reassured that her concerns will be addressed, and her healthcare team is there to support her, whatever the outcome of the biopsy may be.

User Drum
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