Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE) PN-RN Practice Test

What is the most appropriate response for a nurse when a patient shares anxiety about the recovery process?

1. Ignoring the comments to avoid panic

2. Reassuring them without discussing specific concerns

3. Encouraging open dialogue about their feelings

4. Sharing personal experiences to lighten the mood

The correct answer is: Encouraging open dialogue about their feelings

Encouraging open dialogue about their feelings is vital in addressing a patient’s anxiety regarding the recovery process. This approach establishes a supportive environment where the patient feels heard and understood. By engaging in a conversation, the nurse provides an opportunity for the patient to express their fears and concerns, which can help to alleviate anxiety. Additionally, this communication can lead to a better understanding of the patient’s specific worries, allowing the nurse to offer targeted information or reassurance that directly addresses those concerns. Active listening and validation of feelings can reinforce trust and rapport between the nurse and the patient, fostering a therapeutic relationship that is essential for effective care. In contrast, ignoring the comments may lead to increased anxiety as the patient may feel their feelings are dismissed. Reassuring them without discussing specific concerns might not adequately address the root of their anxiety, leaving them feeling unresolved. Sharing personal experiences, while potentially useful in some contexts, may detract from the patient’s own feelings and experiences, making it less about their needs and more about the nurse’s perspective. Encouraging dialogue focuses on the patient, creating a more patient-centered approach to care.