A client is hospitalized with a tentative diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. On admission the client asks the nurse, “Do you think I have anything serious, like cancer?” What is the nurse’s best reply?

A client is hospitalized with a tentative diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. On admission the client asks the nurse, “Do you think I have anything serious, like cancer?” What is the nurse’s best reply? Correct Answer “I don’t know if you do; let’s talk about it.”

Explanation-

• The nurse has shown concern regarding the client's health and is also willing to listen to the patient.
• It creates a friendly relationship between the client and the nurse.

Additional Information

• What makes you think you have cancer?- This statement is not proper because it puts the client in the defensive mode as the client does not state this as the diagnosis.
• Why don’t you discuss this with your health care provider?- This statement indicates the avoiding nature of the nurse as the nurse is unwilling to listen.
• You needn’t worry now; we won’t know the answer for a few days- This statement indicates that the communication is cut off and the feeling is denied.