The nurse is caring for a patient preparing for surgery. Which finding would concern the nurse?

Choice A reason: Signal anxiety refers to a specific concern or perceived threat, which is not indicated by the patient's statement.

Choice B reason: Severe anxiety is a high level of anxiety that would likely impair functioning, which cannot be determined from the patient's statement alone.

Choice C reason: Moderate anxiety is a manageable level of anxiety, but the patient's statement suggests a more pervasive and non-specific anxiety.

Choice D reason: Free-floating anxiety is a general feeling of dread or foreboding that is not attached to any specific issue or situation, which aligns with the patient's expression of a vague sense of impending doom.

Choice A reason: Emptying the drain device every shift is important to prevent infection and accumulation of fluid, which can impede healing.

Choice B reason: Minimizing use of the affected arm is not recommended; rather, gentle exercises to promote circulation and prevent lymphedema are usually encouraged.

Choice C reason: Measuring the circumference of both arms can be part of monitoring for lymphedema, but it is not the priority in immediate post-mastectomy care.

Choice D reason: Placing the affected arm below the level of the heart is not recommended as it can increase swelling; elevation is usually advised.