A male preoperative client who has already signed the informed consent for a surgical procedure confides to the practical nurse (PN) that he is really frightened and unsure about undergoing the surgery. Which priority action should the PN take?

The correct answer is choice B. Notify the charge nurse of the client's concerns about surgery. Choice A rationale: Reminding the client that the consent has already been obtained does not address the client's current fears and uncertainty about undergoing the surgery. It may come across as dismissive and unsupportive of the client's emotional needs. Choice B rationale: This is the correct answer because notifying the charge nurse of the client's concerns about surgery allows the nursing team to provide the necessary support and address the client's emotional needs appropriately. The charge nurse can assess the client's anxiety level, discuss the procedure, and involve the healthcare provider if needed to ensure the client is well- informed and comfortable with their decision. Choice C rationale: Documenting the client's expressed concerns about the surgery is essential for accurate documentation but does not provide the immediate support and intervention the client may require. Choice D rationale: Encouraging the client to continue with the scheduled surgery without addressing their fears and uncertainty may not be appropriate. The client's emotional well-being should be a priority, and they should feel supported in their decision-making process.