The nurse is seeing a home-care client with a history of mental illness.The client has just been discharged from the hospital after undergoing a mastectomy for breast cancer.As the nurse begins to perform a dressing change over the left breast area,the client states,"Every time I have a nurse come here,they do this dressing differently.I can't seem to have a nurse that does it right." What is the best response by the nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In this item,the client has a history of mental illness and a medical condition.There are specific interventions and actions a nurse can use in caring for such clients.One of the best strategies is to have the client participate in care and allow the client some control over the dressing change.Asking the client,"How do you usually do the dressing?" or "How would you like the dressing done?" is completely appropriate as long as the client preference is consistent with safe and effective nursing practice.Each of the other responses by the nurse may be common; however,they will not foster participation or control for this client.

The Nurse Is Seeing a Home-Care Client with a History