A client with a temporary pacemaker expresses fear. Which approach by the nurse is best?

A client with a temporary pacemaker expresses fear. Which approach by the nurse is best?

• A. Offer reassurance that the staff will monitor the pacemaker.
• B. Encourage discussion about the concerns and fears.
• C. Reinforce that the pacemaker is a temporary measure.
• D. Use simple terms to describe how the pacemaker functions.

Answer: (D)

Understanding reduces fear. When a patient is anxious about a device like a temporary pacemaker, giving a clear, plain-language explanation of how it works helps them form a mental picture and feel more secure. describing simply that the device provides small electrical impulses to keep the heart beating at a steady rate when its own rhythm is uncertain shows its purpose and what to expect. This demystifies the technology, reinforces that it’s there to support recovery, and reassures the patient that it is temporary. While offering reassurance and inviting discussion are helpful, the most effective approach is to provide a straightforward explanation of the device’s function in understandable terms so the patient can understand, participate in care, and feel less fearful.

Understanding reduces fear. When a patient is anxious about a device like a temporary pacemaker, giving a clear, plain-language explanation of how it works helps them form a mental picture and feel more secure. describing simply that the device provides small electrical impulses to keep the heart beating at a steady rate when its own rhythm is uncertain shows its purpose and what to expect. This demystifies the technology, reinforces that it’s there to support recovery, and reassures the patient that it is temporary. While offering reassurance and inviting discussion are helpful, the most effective approach is to provide a straightforward explanation of the device’s function in understandable terms so the patient can understand, participate in care, and feel less fearful.