During her routine annual physical examination, a 48-year-old woman tells the nurse that she worries about her health all the time, spends 8 to 10 hours at the health center every week, and has spent a larger than usual amount of money on cosmetics over the past 6 months. Select the most appropriate response by the nurse to this client.
A)"Your concerns and actions are normal because you are trying to maintain your health and youth."
B)"How are you doing at your work? Did you get that promotion you wanted?"
C)"Is your husband still helping with the household chores? Support systems are very important."
D)"You seem very healthy.You should avoid excessive exercise because it can cause more damage in the long run."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The woman's statement suggests that she may be experiencing anxiety or excessive worry about her health and appearance, which could indicate underlying mental health concerns. Therefore, the nurse should ask open-ended questions to gather more information and assess the client's mental health. Choice A may validate the client's behavior, but does not address the potential mental health concerns. Choice C does address support systems, but may not be as relevant to the client's current concerns. Choice D is not appropriate as it does not address the client's statement and could be harmful if the client does not currently engage in excessive exercise.

During Her Routine Annual Physical Examination, a 48-Year-Old Woman Tells