The nurse is caring for an anxious patient who is scheduled for surgery for colostomy placement. While the nurse is talking to the patient, the patient states, "I am so scared." The nurse's most supportive response would be:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse needs to address the patient's anxiety and fear first by use of open-ended questioning, because the patient might be focused on a variety of things, including poor body image or the prospect of death. Asking a "Why" question is not therapeutic and makes the patient defensive.

The Nurse Is Caring for an Anxious Patient Who Is