A client with pheochromocytoma is scheduled for surgery and says to the nurse, 'I’m not sure that surgery is the best thing to do.' Which response by the nurse is appropriate?

A client with pheochromocytoma is scheduled for surgery and says to the nurse, 'I’m not sure that surgery is the best thing to do.' Which response by the nurse is appropriate?

• A. I think you are making the right decision to have the surgery.
• B. You have concerns about the surgical treatment for your condition?
• C. You are very ill. Your health care provider has made the correct decision.
• D. There is no reason to worry. Your health care provider is a wonderful surgeon.

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is therapeutic communication that validates a patient’s feelings and invites them to share concerns, which supports shared decision-making. Choosing a response that explicitly asks about the patient’s worries does this well. By saying you have concerns about the surgical treatment for your condition, the nurse mirrors the patient’s own statement and opens a safe space for dialogue. It shows empathy, demonstrates that the patient’s perspective matters, and signals that the nurse is there to listen and provide information. This approach helps the patient voice fears, ask questions, and participate actively in the decision, which is essential in an operation like pheochromocytoma surgery where anxiety and questions about risks and benefits are common. Other responses push the patient toward agreement, declare a decision has been made, or dismiss concerns with reassurance about the surgeon. Those approaches can shut down the patient’s opportunity to express fears, misunderstandings, or preferences, which can undermine trust and informed consent. In this context, the patient’s concerns should be acknowledged and explored so the nurse can support the patient through the decision-making process and ensure appropriate preoperative education and planning.

The main idea being tested is therapeutic communication that validates a patient’s feelings and invites them to share concerns, which supports shared decision-making.

Choosing a response that explicitly asks about the patient’s worries does this well. By saying you have concerns about the surgical treatment for your condition, the nurse mirrors the patient’s own statement and opens a safe space for dialogue. It shows empathy, demonstrates that the patient’s perspective matters, and signals that the nurse is there to listen and provide information. This approach helps the patient voice fears, ask questions, and participate actively in the decision, which is essential in an operation like pheochromocytoma surgery where anxiety and questions about risks and benefits are common.

Other responses push the patient toward agreement, declare a decision has been made, or dismiss concerns with reassurance about the surgeon. Those approaches can shut down the patient’s opportunity to express fears, misunderstandings, or preferences, which can undermine trust and informed consent.

In this context, the patient’s concerns should be acknowledged and explored so the nurse can support the patient through the decision-making process and ensure appropriate preoperative education and planning.