Final answer:
To minimize anxiety about an outpatient procedure, the nurse should discuss expectations during and after the surgery, as knowing what to expect can significantly reduce patient stress. Education is key, and the collaborative efforts of the surgeon, anesthesia staff, and nursing staff help guarantee patient understanding and safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a nurse identifies deficient knowledge regarding surgery in a client scheduled for an outpatient procedure, the best instructional topic to minimize the client's anxiety would be “Let's discuss what to expect during and after the outpatient procedure.” This approach is comprehensive, addressing the entirety of the experience from pre-operative preparation to post-operative recovery. By discussing the expectations clearly, the nurse can help alleviate fear of the unknown, which is a significant contributor to patient anxiety. The explanation will likely cover the surgeon's role, the nurse's preparations, as well as the anesthesia team's responsibilities before, during, and after the procedure.
Education is crucial in empowering patients and alleviating their anxiety. The team, including the surgeon, anesthesia professional, and nurses, play a vital role in ensuring the patient's understanding by reviewing aloud key concerns such as the procedure details, anticipated critical events, and using a time out before the surgery to confirm essential aspects like prophylactic antibiotics and imaging results displayed.