Question

A 24-year-old unmarried woman has never had a mammogram. The client states that she has heard that the exam is painful and she is afraid to have one. The nurse’s response should be: A. “Why don’t you have the test once and if it is too painful don’t do it again?” B. “No, the mammogram is not painful. Whoever told you this was lying to you.” C. “Yes, it is uncomfortable but it only lasts a few sec- onds. And the test is so important.” D. “Since you are not married, it is okay to delay the test until you become sexually active.”

Short answer

The nurse should respond with Option C.

Step-by-step solution

Read the Question Carefully

Make sure to thoroughly read the scenario and understand the client’s concern regarding the mammogram. The client is a 24-year-old unmarried woman who is afraid that the exam will be painful.

Analyze Each Response Option

Carefully examine each response option given:A. Suggesting to take the test once and stop if it's painful.B. Denying the pain associated with the mammogram.C. Acknowledging discomfort but emphasizing importance.D. Suggesting delay until the client becomes sexually active.

Evaluate the Accuracy and Appropriateness

Consider both factual accuracy and sensitivity of each response:Option A does not address the importance of the test.Option B denies the truth and invalidates the client’s concern.Option C acknowledges the discomfort but also explains the benefit.Option D incorrectly links the test to sexual activity.

Identify the Best Response

The best response is the one that acknowledges the client's feelings, provides accurate information, and underscores the importance of the test. Option C fits these criteria.

Key concepts

Mammogram Education

Understanding the process and importance of mammograms is a crucial part of nursing education, especially when dealing with patients who express fear or anxiety. Mammograms are essential breast cancer screening tools. They involve compressing the breast tissue to capture clear images using low-dose X-rays. While the process can be uncomfortable, it is brief and plays a significant role in early cancer detection, which drastically improves treatment success rates. Educating patients about what to expect during a mammogram and emphasizing its importance can help alleviate fear. For example, explaining that the discomfort is minimal and only lasts a few seconds can make the procedure less intimidating. It's also helpful to share that many women find the experience to be less painful than anticipated.

Effective Patient Communication

Effective communication with patients is a cornerstone of nursing practice. It involves actively listening to their concerns, providing empathetic responses, and delivering clear and honest information. In the given scenario, the nurse must address the client's fear about the mammogram while also providing reassurance. This involves confirming that while the procedure may be uncomfortable, it is quick and crucial for health. Using calm and reassuring language, the nurse can acknowledge the patient's feelings without invalidating them. For example, saying, 'I understand you’re concerned about the pain. Many women feel some discomfort, but it’s usually very brief and the test is very beneficial,' can help the patient feel heard and supported.

Nursing Decision-Making

Nursing decision-making is about choosing the best course of action based on patient needs, evidence-based practices, and professional guidelines. It involves critical thinking and the ability to balance empathy with factual accuracy. In the scenario, the nurse must decide how to best respond to the patient’s fear of mammograms. Evaluating the response options, the nurse should choose one that acknowledges the patient’s feelings, provides truthful information about the test, and underscores its importance. Option C does this effectively by recognizing the discomfort but emphasizing the procedure’s significance in early cancer detection. Good nursing decisions integrate medical knowledge with compassionate care.

Patient Anxiety Management

Managing patient anxiety is essential in providing high-quality care. Anxiety can stem from fear of the unknown, previous bad experiences, or misconceptions about medical procedures. Strategies to reduce anxiety include providing detailed information about the procedure, creating a supportive environment, and using relaxation techniques. For patients fearful of mammograms, the nurse can start by explaining every step of the process to demystify it, which helps to reduce fear of the unknown. Encouraging questions and addressing concerns directly can also make patients feel more in control and less anxious. Additionally, mindfulness or breathing exercises can offer immediate anxiety relief, making the experience more manageable for the patient.