The nurse is admitting a client scheduled for a unilateral orchiectomy for testicular cancer. The nurse notes that the client does not talk to his partner and speaks to the nurse only to answer the admission questions. Which of the following actions isbest for the nurse to take?
A)Ask the client if he has any questions or concerns about the diagnosis and treatment.
B)Document the client's lack of communication on the chart and continue preoperative care.
C)Assure the client's partner that concerns about sexual function are common with this diagnosis.
D)Teach the client and the partner that impotence is rarely a problem after unilateral orchiectomy.

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 client, not the spouse, when discussing the diagnosis and any possible concerns. Without further assessment of client concerns, the nurse should not offer education about complications after orchiectomy.
Documentation of the client's lack of interaction is not an adequate nursing action in this situation.

The Nurse Is Admitting a Client Scheduled for a Unilateral