A patient scheduled for major surgery the next morning is anxious about lack of family visitation. Which nurse question would best help determine the level of anxiety?

A patient scheduled for major surgery the next morning is anxious about lack of family visitation. Which nurse question would best help determine the level of anxiety?

• A. Do you have questions about the surgery tomorrow?
• B. Would you like for me to call a family member to come support you?
• C. Would you like to talk with another patient who had the same surgery?
• D. You seem worried about something. Would it help to talk about it?

Answer: (D)

Assessing emotional distress through therapeutic communication. The best choice uses a reflective, empathic statement and invites the patient to share concerns in their own words. By saying, “You seem worried about something. Would it help to talk about it?” the nurse validates the patient’s feelings, opens the door for dialogue, and helps gauge how intense the anxiety is. This approach builds trust, encourages disclosure, and provides immediate insight into the patient’s emotional state so appropriate support can be offered. Other options miss the chance to explore feelings. Asking if the patient has questions about the surgery focuses on information needs rather than emotional state. Offering to call a family member addresses support logistics without assessing anxiety. Suggesting talking with another patient could raise privacy concerns and doesn’t address the individual’s current emotional experience.

Assessing emotional distress through therapeutic communication. The best choice uses a reflective, empathic statement and invites the patient to share concerns in their own words. By saying, “You seem worried about something. Would it help to talk about it?” the nurse validates the patient’s feelings, opens the door for dialogue, and helps gauge how intense the anxiety is. This approach builds trust, encourages disclosure, and provides immediate insight into the patient’s emotional state so appropriate support can be offered.

Other options miss the chance to explore feelings. Asking if the patient has questions about the surgery focuses on information needs rather than emotional state. Offering to call a family member addresses support logistics without assessing anxiety. Suggesting talking with another patient could raise privacy concerns and doesn’t address the individual’s current emotional experience.