The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with gallstones who requires a cholecystectomy.The patient is upset and asks the nurse why he cannot have lithotripsy instead.Which response is most appropriate for the nurse to make?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lithotripsy,or "shock wave" therapy,is rarely used for gallstones.The treatment of choice is gallbladder removal.By explaining that surgery is the treatment of choice but also asking the patient to elaborate,the nurse provides information and uses an open-ended statement to acknowledge the patient's feelings.Asking the patient to list the reasons that he wants lithotripsy is not therapeutic or effective since the patient requires a cholecystectomy.While the physician does choose which procedure is best indicated,the nurse should not dismiss the patient's concerns or deflect them and suggest that he speak with someone else.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Diagnosed with Gallstones