Which of the following is a priority when caring for a highly anxious patient?

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.

Choice A reason: Instructing the patient to wear constrictive clothing is incorrect, as it can worsen venous stasis ulcers by impeding blood flow.

Choice B reason: Encouraging the patient to keep legs in a dependent position is not recommended, as elevation helps in reducing venous pressure.

Choice C reason: Frequent ambulation is encouraged to promote blood circulation and prevent stasis.

Choice D reason: Applying compression stockings is a standard care practice to help reduce venous pressure and prevent fluid from pooling in the legs.