Question

The nurse is caring for a 24-year-old who is three months pregnant. The client has just been informed that she has breast cancer. The nurse assesses signs of increased anxiety. Which statement by the nurse is most appropriate? A. "Do you have any questions?" B. "You seem to be upset. Tell me about your feelings." C. "There is no need to be worried. The baby will be fine." D. "I'm going to call the chaplain to visit."

Short answer

A. "Do you have any questions?" B. "You seem to be upset. Tell me about your feelings." C. "There is no need to be worried. The baby will be fine." D. "I'm going to call the chaplain to visit." Answer: B. "You seem to be upset. Tell me about your feelings."

Step-by-step solution

Analyze each option

Evaluate each statement provided (A, B, C, D) and consider the appropriateness, empathy, and nursing skills they show to the client's situation.

Evaluate option A

Option A: "Do you have any questions?" This statement shows openness by the nurse and an invitation for the client to ask questions, but it may not provide enough emotional support or demonstrate empathy. Keep this option in mind and compare it to the other choices.

Evaluate option B

Option B: "You seem to be upset. Tell me about your feelings." This statement actively recognizes the client's emotional state (anxiety) and invites her to share her feelings. This shows empathy and effective nursing communication skills. Keep this option in mind and compare it to the other choices.

Evaluate option C

Option C: "There is no need to be worried. The baby will be fine." This statement may be reassuring, but it dismisses the client's concerns by telling her not to worry. It may not provide enough comfort and emotional support. Discard this option.

Evaluate option D

Option D: "I'm going to call the chaplain to visit." This statement assumes the client's spiritual needs without asking. It may not be appropriate for everyone. Discard this option.

Compare options and select the best response

Compare the remaining options A and B. Option B is more empathetic and supportive, as it acknowledges the client's emotional state and encourages her to share her feelings. In contrast, option A might not provide enough emotional support. Thus, the most appropriate statement by the nurse is: B. "You seem to be upset. Tell me about your feelings."

Key concepts

Nursing Communication Skills

Effective communication is a cornerstone of nursing care, providing the foundation for both the assessment of patient needs and the delivery of health care interventions. Nursing communication skills involve more than just the exchange of words; they encompass non-verbal cues, active listening, and the ability to provide clear and concise information.

In the context of the NCLEX-RN exam preparation, understanding how to approach a patient with a potentially frightening diagnosis, such as breast cancer during pregnancy, is vital. It's essential for nurses to open a dialogue that invites patients to express their concerns and ask questions. Instead of simply asking if they have any questions, as in option A, a nurse should demonstrate an understanding of the patient's experience to establish rapport and trust. For instance, a nurse might say, 'I want to make sure you have all the information you need. What concerns do you have?' This approach conveys both the willingness to communicate and the nurse's commitment to patient-centered care.

Patient Emotional Support

Emotional support is a crucial element of nursing care, particularly when patients confront life-altering diagnoses. The nurse's role extends beyond providing medical information to offering comfort and understanding. When dealing with a patient who has just received distressing news, like a cancer diagnosis, the provision of emotional support can have a significant impact on the patient's psychological well-being.

A nurse can provide emotional support by validating the patient's feelings, as shown in option B of the exercise. Recognizing emotions and creating an environment where the patient feels safe to express her concerns can alleviate anxiety. Nurses can also use therapeutic communication techniques, such as open-ended questions or reflective statements, that foster emotional expression, such as, 'It's natural to have mixed emotions about your diagnosis. How can I support you right now?' By focusing on the patient's emotional needs, nursing care can contribute to a more positive healthcare experience and emotional healing.

Nursing Empathy

Empathy in nursing is the capacity to understand and share in a patient's feelings. It involves seeing the situation from the patient's perspective and providing care that addresses their emotional experience. Empathy is especially important when patients are vulnerable, as is the case for a pregnant patient diagnosed with breast cancer.

In demonstrating empathy, a nurse should acknowledge and respect the patient's emotional state without making assumptions about what the patient needs, as option C and D might inadvertently do. Expressing empathy can be as simple as saying, 'I can see that this is a very difficult time for you,' and then allowing the patient to guide the conversation about their needs and preferences. Empathetic communication can help to build a trusting relationship, where the patient feels seen and understood. It's not just about providing the right answers but also about asking the right questions and listening to the patient's story. Through empathy, nurses play a pivotal role in not only managing physical health but also in supporting the overall well-being of their patients.