A nurse reviewed the treatment the surgeon recommended for a woman’s b

A nurse reviewed the treatment the surgeon recommended for a woman’s breast lump.

When the nurse asked the woman if she could be admitted to the hospital for immediate surgery, the husband thanked the nurse for her time and said they would get back in touch after they speak with other family members. Which of the following actions would be most appropriate for the nurse to take?
a.
Ask if there was some reason the woman could not be immediately admitted for treatment
b.
Explain to the woman why postponing the surgery was dangerous
c.
Point out it that it’s the woman’s decision, and stress that she should go to the hospital immediately
d.
Recognize that the husband and other family members may need to have input into this decision

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: D
We typically focus on the individual as the central figure in decisions about the self. However, in other cultures female clients may seek assistance from other members of the family and allow male relatives to make decisions about important health-related matters. The husband has indicated by his response that collateral relationships are valued, thus decisions about the client may be interrelated with the influence of illness on the entire family or group. The other responses do not address the value of collateral relationships that the nurse must recognize and address.