A 52-year-old woman has just been told she has breast cancer and is scheduled for a modified mastectomy the following week. The nurse caring for this patient knows that she is anxious and fearful about the upcoming procedure and the newly diagnosed malignancy. How can the nurse most likely alleviate this patients fears?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Provide the patient with relevant information about expected recovery. This option addresses the patient's anxiety by providing her with concrete information about what to expect after the procedure. By knowing the expected recovery process, the patient can feel more in control and prepared, which can help alleviate fears.
Summary:
A: Providing written material on the procedure does not directly address the patient's fears about the upcoming surgery and cancer diagnosis.
C: Giving the patient current information on breast cancer survival rates may increase anxiety rather than alleviate it, as it focuses on statistics rather than the individual patient's concerns.
D: Offering alternative treatment options may not be appropriate at this stage when the patient is already scheduled for a modified mastectomy. It may add confusion and further anxiety.