Question

A client tells the nurse that he Is "very nervous" about the surgery he is scheduled to have in the morning. Which action should the nurse implement first?

a. Provide the client with distractions to decrease his anxiety.
b. Explore the client's perception of the impending surgery.
c. Notify the healthcare provider about the client's expressed fears and anxiety.
d. Present the client with information about the surgical procedure.

Answer 1

The nurse should first explore the client's perception of the impending surgery to understand the specific concerns, before providing tailored information and reassurance, following protocols, or notifying the healthcare provider.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client expresses nervousness about an upcoming surgery, the first action a nurse should implement is to explore the client's perception of the impending surgery. This action allows the nurse to understand the specific concerns that may be causing anxiety, and thereby provide more personalized care and reassurance. Once the nurse has a clearer picture of the client's fears, they can tailor the information they provide about the surgical procedure, including discussing the surgeon, anesthesia, and nursing staff's roles, as well as the time out and sign in protocols that ensure the correct procedures are in place. Notification of the healthcare provider about the client's fears is important, but it generally follows the initial assessment and conversations with the client.