NCLEX Psychosocial Integrity Questions Related

Review NCLEX Psychosocial Integrity Questions related questions and content

When a client who has had a mastectomy sees her incision for the first time, she exclaims, 'I look horrible! Will it ever look better?' Which response would the nurse provide?

  • A. 'You seem shocked by the way you look now.'
  • B. 'Now that the tumor is gone, the area will heal quickly.'
  • C. After it heals, others won't even know you had surgery.'
  • D. 'You will feel better about it when the swelling subsides.'
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct response, 'You seem shocked by the way you look now,' acknowledges the client's feelings and provides an opportunity for the client to express emotions freely. This reflection of feelings may help promote eventual acceptance of body image changes. Choices B, C, and D provide false reassurance and negate the client's feelings. Saying that the area will heal quickly now that the tumor is gone dismisses the client's concerns. Similarly, stating that others won't know about the surgery or that the client will feel better once the swelling subsides does not address the client's current emotional state and may undermine trust in the nurse-client relationship.