The nurse is starting preoperative teaching when the client receives a phone call. When the call ends and the nurse resumes teaching, the client is visibly upset and begins to cry. Which therapeutic initial response by the nurse is appropriate?
A)"You can deal with whatever is upsetting you once we have finished."
B)"It's very important to focus on this teaching so that you will recover quickly after surgery."
C)"I can see that phone call has upset you. Let's talk about why you are upset before we move on with teaching."
D)"What can you do to solve the problem?"

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A)When clients are anxious and upset, they have difficulty focusing, especially on new information, and their anxiety becomes a barrier to effective communication. The nurse needs to prioritize the client's presenting need to express concerns and then engage in teaching at a later time, when the client is able to comprehend. Telling the client to focus will not relieve the anxiety of the imminent issue. Because the nurse is unaware of the issue and is not knowledgeable of the client's situation, it is false reassurance to tell the client that the matter can be handled after the teaching is completed. This response also belittles the client's independence and self-efficacy, as does recommending problem solving.
B)When clients are anxious and upset, they have difficulty focusing, especially on new information, and their anxiety becomes a barrier to effective communication. The nurse needs to prioritize the client's presenting need to express concerns and then engage in teaching at a later time, when the client is able to comprehend. Telling the client to focus will not relieve the anxiety of the imminent issue. Because the nurse is unaware of the issue and is not knowledgeable of the client's situation, it is false reassurance to tell the client that the matter can be handled after the teaching is completed. This response also belittles the client's independence and self-efficacy, as does recommending problem solving.
C)When clients are anxious and upset, they have difficulty focusing, especially on new information, and their anxiety becomes a barrier to effective communication. The nurse needs to prioritize the client's presenting need to express concerns and then engage in teaching at a later time, when the client is able to comprehend. Telling the client to focus will not relieve the anxiety of the imminent issue. Because the nurse is unaware of the issue and is not knowledgeable of the client's situation, it is false reassurance to tell the client that the matter can be handled after the teaching is completed. This response also belittles the client's independence and self-efficacy, as does recommending problem solving.
D)When clients are anxious and upset, they have difficulty focusing, especially on new information, and their anxiety becomes a barrier to effective communication. The nurse needs to prioritize the client's presenting need to express concerns and then engage in teaching at a later time, when the client is able to comprehend. Telling the client to focus will not relieve the anxiety of the imminent issue. Because the nurse is unaware of the issue and is not knowledgeable of the client's situation, it is false reassurance to tell the client that the matter can be handled after the teaching is completed. This response also belittles the client's independence and self-efficacy, as does recommending problem solving.

The Nurse Is Starting Preoperative Teaching When the Client Receives