A 32-year-old man scheduled for a unilateral orchiectomy for testicular cancer is admitted to the hospital the morning of surgery. He is accompanied by his wife but does not talk to her and does not initiate interaction with the nurse. The most appropriate action by the nurse is to

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The initial action by the nurse should be assessment for any anxiety or questions about the surgery or postoperative care. The nurse should address the patient, not the spouse, when discussing the diagnosis and any possible concerns. Without further assessment of patient concerns, it is inappropriate for the nurse to initiate teaching. It would be inappropriate for the nurse to provide patient teaching without further assessment of the patient's teaching needs and concerns. Documentation of the patient's lack of interaction is not an adequate nursing action in this situation.

A 32-Year-Old Man Scheduled for a Unilateral Orchiectomy for Testicular