A client is very nervous about the surgery scheduled for tomorrow. Which action should the nurse implement first?

A client is very nervous about the surgery scheduled for tomorrow. Which action should the nurse implement first?

• A. Notify the healthcare provider about the client's expressed fears and anxiety.
• B. Explore the client's perception of the impending surgery.
• C. Present the client with information about the surgical procedure.
• D. Provide the client with distractions to decrease his anxiety.

Answer: (A)

Addressing significant preoperative anxiety starts with involving the health care team to create a coordinated plan. Notifying the provider about the client’s fears and anxiety enables a professional assessment of how strong the anxiety is, what might be contributing to it, and what steps are needed to ensure safety and informed consent. With the provider informed, a plan can be developed—such as targeted preoperative teaching, possible anxiolytic measures, or support from psychology or social work as needed—so the patient can proceed with surgery as safely as possible. Exploring the client’s perception is important for understanding concerns, but it’s most effective once the team is aware and a plan is being formed. Presenting information about the procedure can help, yet delivering it without first coordinating care may overwhelm a highly anxious patient. Providing distractions may offer brief relief but doesn’t address underlying fears or ensure appropriate medical and ethical safeguards.

Addressing significant preoperative anxiety starts with involving the health care team to create a coordinated plan. Notifying the provider about the client’s fears and anxiety enables a professional assessment of how strong the anxiety is, what might be contributing to it, and what steps are needed to ensure safety and informed consent. With the provider informed, a plan can be developed—such as targeted preoperative teaching, possible anxiolytic measures, or support from psychology or social work as needed—so the patient can proceed with surgery as safely as possible.

Exploring the client’s perception is important for understanding concerns, but it’s most effective once the team is aware and a plan is being formed. Presenting information about the procedure can help, yet delivering it without first coordinating care may overwhelm a highly anxious patient. Providing distractions may offer brief relief but doesn’t address underlying fears or ensure appropriate medical and ethical safeguards.