Test Bank for Medical Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care 10th Edition - Care of Patients with Stomach Disorders Related

Review Test Bank for Medical Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care 10th Edition - Care of Patients with Stomach Disorders related questions and content

An older client has gastric cancer and is scheduled to have a partial gastrectomy. The family does not want the client to know the diagnosis. What action by the nurse is best?

  • A. Ask the family why they feel this way.
  • B. Assess family concerns and fears.
  • C. Refuse to comply with the family wishes.
  • D. Tell the family that such secrets cannot be kept.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should use open-ended questions and statements to fully assess the family's concerns and fears. Asking why questions often puts people on the defensive and is considered a barrier to therapeutic communication. Refusing to comply or stating that secrets cannot be kept may set up an adversarial relationship.