Question

As the nurse teaches a preoperative client, the client becomes more and more anxious as the information is presented. Soon the client begins to report dizziness and heart pounding. The nurse observes obvious trembling and confusion. Which is the nurse's priority intervention?

1
Reinforce the preoperative teaching by restating it slowly.
2
Have the client read the teaching materials instead of listening to them.
3
Have a familiar family member read the preoperative materials to the client.
4
Cease any further attempt at preoperative teaching at this time and instead encourage deep breathing

Answer 1

The nurse's priority intervention is to cease preoperative teaching and encourage deep breathing to help the client relax and reduce anxiety. (option 4 is the correct answer)

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's priority intervention in this scenario would be to cease any further attempt at preoperative teaching at this time and instead encourage the client to engage in deep breathing. The client is experiencing symptoms of anxiety, such as dizziness, heart pounding, trembling, and confusion. Continuing with the teaching may exacerbate these symptoms and further increase the client's distress. Deep breathing can help the client relax and reduce anxiety.

The observed dizziness, heart pounding, trembling, and confusion indicate a heightened stress response. Instead, the nurse should focus on calming interventions, particularly encouraging deep breathing, to help alleviate the client's anxiety and prevent further distress.

Recognizing and responding to the client's escalating anxiety is essential for their well-being. Pausing the teaching process and prioritizing calming strategies like deep breathing create a supportive environment, allowing the client to regain composure before revisiting the educational component when they are more emotionally prepared.