How should a nurse respond to a patient expressing anxiety about a diagnosis?

When a patient expresses anxiety about a diagnosis, providing support and listening actively is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, acknowledging the patient's feelings helps to build trust and rapport between the nurse and the patient. It validates the patient’s emotions, indicating that their concerns are legitimate and important. This supportive approach fosters an environment where the patient feels safe to express their fears and uncertainties.

Moreover, active listening allows the nurse to fully understand the patient's perspective, which can lead to more tailored interventions. By engaging in a dialogue, the nurse can identify specific worries the patient has and address them accordingly. This proactive support can reduce the patient’s anxiety by providing information, clarifying doubts, or simply offering a compassionate ear.

In contrast, the suggestion to remain calm may come off as dismissive and may not address the underlying anxiety. Dismissing the anxiety as unimportant overlooks the patient's emotional needs, potentially leading to feelings of isolation. Instructing the patient to seek a second opinion could imply that the nurse lacks confidence in the initial diagnosis, which might further exacerbate the patient’s anxiety. Thus, the most effective and supportive response is to actively listen and provide emotional support.