Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 89%
Simulated
A client who is scheduled for permanent transvenous pacemaker insertion states to the nurse, 'I know I need it, but I'm not sure this surgery is a great idea.' Which nursing response should best help the nurse assess the client's preoperative concerns?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
Anxiety is common in the client with the need for pacemaker insertion. This can be related to a fear of life-threatening dysrhythmias or of the surgical procedure. Option 4 is the correct choice because it is open-ended and uses clarification as a communication technique to explore the client's concerns. Option 1 is not indicated because it asks about the family and deflects attention away from the client's concerns. Options 2 and 3 are closed-ended and are not exploratory.