The Nurse Is Assessing a Patient Admitted with a Newly

The nurse is assessing a patient admitted with a newly diagnosed bleeding duodenal ulcer. The patient is exhibiting physiological signs of anxiety and seems to have difficulty concentrating. During the interview, the patient tells the nurse that he is often "short of breath" and states, "I lie awake nights worrying about everything." The patient has been unable to work or care for family for the past 6 months. Which is the nurse's priority after documenting this information in the nurses' notes?

A) Provide emotional support for the patient using reflective listening technique.
B) Do nothing; people with duodenal ulcers typically cannot work.
C) Question the patient's family about the information received from the patient.
D) Notify the primary care provider, and ask for a referral to a mental health professional.