A client expresses concern about facial appearance after surgery for excision of a melanoma on the side of the nose. What is the best response by the nurse? A)"Have you shared your concerns with your health care provider (HCP)?" B)"If I were you, I would be more worried about whether the melanoma has spread." C)"Scar tissue formation is part of the natural healing process. We will teach you how to care for your wound to minimize any complications." D)"There is special make-up you can use to hide any facial scars left from the surgery."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Clients facing surgery often have concerns and anxiety over the procedure, postoperative course, outcome, and issues related to altered body image. The best response by the nurse uses 2 therapeutic approaches aimed at reducing the client's concerns and anxiety: The client is provided with factual information about facial surgery and the healing process. The client is provided with factual information about facial surgery and the healing process. The client is given assurance and support that something can be done to minimize the complications of wound healing. This will provide the client with a plan of action and a sense of control over the condition and post-surgical course. It is impossible to predict the lasting effect of the surgery on the client's facial appearance; however, teaching on managing wound care will help lessen the client's anxiety. The client is given assurance and support that something can be done to minimize the complications of wound healing. This will provide the client with a plan of action and a sense of control over the condition and post-surgical course. It is impossible to predict the lasting effect of the surgery on the client's facial appearance; however, teaching on managing wound care will help lessen the client's anxiety. (Option A) This is not the best or priority response. Although the HCP will be able to give the client more information and details about the surgery and potential outcomes, the response suggests that the nurse has little or no role in providing information or teaching the client about the upcoming procedure. The response is also a "yes" or "no" question; closed-ended questions tend to minimize nurse-client interactions. (Option B) This is a non-therapeutic response; it gives advice to the client, suggests that the nurse "knows better," and minimizes the client's concerns. It also introduces a more serious issue about the diagnosis. (Option D) This is a non-therapeutic response. Although it is true that there are methods to conceal scars and other skin discolorations, the response is dismissive and does not address the client's concerns. Educational objective: Clients facing surgery often have concerns and anxiety over the procedure, postoperative course, outcome, and altered body image. Providing information about the surgical procedure, healing process, and self-care activities, and giving support will lessen anxiety and give the client a sense of control.

A Client Expresses Concern About Facial Appearance After Surgery for Excision