Final answer:
The best response is for the nurse to ask the patient what they don't understand about their pacemaker, as it encourages communication and understanding. Pacemakers adjust heart rates during exercise, and patients with pacemakers should avoid MRIs to prevent possible adverse effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most therapeutic response by the nurse to a patient expressing apprehension about their artificial pacemaker after discharge would be option b: "Tell me what you don't understand about your pacemaker." This open-ended question invites the patient to express their specific concerns and facilitates a dialogue that allows the nurse to tailor the information to the patient's needs, thereby reducing anxiety and increasing understanding.
Artificial pacemakers are implanted near the heart to provide electrical signals to maintain a regular heart rhythm, especially in cases where arrhythmias become a chronic problem. They have sensors to detect body motion and breathing, adjusting the heart rate during exercise to fulfill the body's demand for blood and oxygen. Understanding the pacemaker's role in cardiac muscle metabolism and how it adjusts to different levels of activity is crucial for patients, allowing them to engage in daily activities with confidence.
After implantation, it's important for the patient to understand the functionalities of their pacemaker, including how it may interact with various equipment and situations. For instance, they must be aware that an MRI can adversely affect the function of a pacemaker and hence is contraindicated for patients with most types of pacemakers. Clear communication about the management of the pacemaker and lifestyle adjustments is essential for patient safety and well-being post-discharge.