A client has just been told that her breast biopsy was positive for ca

QUESTION

A client has just been told that her breast biopsy was positive for cancer. The client is crying when the nurse enters the room. What is the nurse’s best response?

1. “Why are you crying?”
2. “We can sit here quietly. You don’t need to talk unless you want to.”
3. “I’m so sorry about your diagnosis.”
4. “Everything will be okay. Treatments today are very successful.”

ANSWER:

Correct Answer: 2

The best response for this client’s situation is just to sit quietly with her and be available to talk when she is ready. Although the nurse might say, “I’m so sorry about your diagnosis,” that presumes that the client is crying about that situation, which might be inaccurate. The nurse should wait for cues from the client before proceeding. Asking “Why are you crying?” is too direct at this time. “Everything will be okay” is a platitude and may be inaccurate. It minimizes the client’s current condition.