A patient newly diagnosed with prostate cancer tells the nurse that his wife died a few weeks ago and he does not know how he is going to deal with this new health problem. What can the nurse do to help this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best option for the nurse to help this patient is to talk with him about his support systems and what he can do to maintain stability. It is important for the patient to have a sense of control and feel supported during this difficult time. Simply telling the patient everything will be all right may invalidate his feelings and concerns. Suggesting a spiritual counselor may not be appropriate for all patients, and may not address the patient's immediate concerns. Listening quietly is a good start, but the nurse should also provide further support and guidance.

A Patient Newly Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer Tells the Nurse