The nurse is assisting in the care of a preoperative patient. The patient states, "I'm really afraid that I won't make it through the surgery." Which action by the nurse is appropriate?
Call the surgeon to talk to the patient.
Offer to call the chaplain for this patient.
Inform the patient that the survival rate for this surgery is very high.
Recommend analgesics only during surgery.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Calling the surgeon to talk to the patient may be helpful in some cases, but it does not directly address the patient's immediate emotional needs. The surgeon can provide detailed information about the procedure, which might alleviate some fears, but this is not always the immediate solution.
Choice B reason:
Offering to call the chaplain for the patient could provide emotional and spiritual support, which is important in holistic care. However, this should be done in addition to addressing the patient's concerns about the surgery itself.
Choice C reason:
Informing the patient that the survival rate for this surgery is very high directly addresses the patient's fear about not surviving the surgery. Providing factual reassurance about the success rate can help to alleviate anxiety and is an appropriate immediate response.
Choice D reason:
Recommending analgesics only during surgery does not address the patient's expressed fear and is not an appropriate response to the emotional concern. Analgesics are for pain management and do not provide reassurance about the outcome of the surgery.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: It is not recommended for clients to take morning vitamins before surgery due to the risk of aspiration and interference with anesthesia.
Choice B reason: Clients are typically instructed to remove all jewelry, including tongue studs, to prevent complications during surgery.
Choice C reason: Clients are generally required to fast before surgery, which includes not consuming clear liquids, to reduce the risk of aspiration.
Choice D reason: Allowing the client to keep her hearing aids in is important for communication and to reduce anxiety due to hearing impairment.

Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Calling the surgeon to talk to the patient may be helpful in some cases, but it does not directly address the patient's immediate emotional needs. The surgeon can provide detailed information about the procedure, which might alleviate some fears, but this is not always the immediate solution.
Choice B reason:
Offering to call the chaplain for the patient could provide emotional and spiritual support, which is important in holistic care. However, this should be done in addition to addressing the patient's concerns about the surgery itself.
Choice C reason:
Informing the patient that the survival rate for this surgery is very high directly addresses the patient's fear about not surviving the surgery. Providing factual reassurance about the success rate can help to alleviate anxiety and is an appropriate immediate response.
Choice D reason:
Recommending analgesics only during surgery does not address the patient's expressed fear and is not an appropriate response to the emotional concern. Analgesics are for pain management and do not provide reassurance about the outcome of the surgery.
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