A nurse is caring for a client who is to start chemotherapy for advanced breast cancer. She tells the nurse she is worried about the adverse effects of the treatment. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Rationale: A. This is a nontherapeutic and discouraging response. It validates the client’s fear in a negative way and may increase anxiety rather than foster hope or coping. Nurses should avoid agreeing with pessimistic statements that can erode trust and confidence in treatment. B. This response dismisses the client’s immediate concern and transfers responsibility to another person. While referrals are appropriate later, the nurse’s first role is to listen, acknowledge the emotion, and provide initial support. C. This response provides useful information but fails to address the emotional aspect of the client’s worry. The nurse must explore what specifically concerns the client before involving other team members. D. This is is the most therapeutic and client-centered response. It uses an open-ended question that encourages the client to share feelings, beliefs, or fears about chemotherapy. This helps the nurse assess emotional needs, correct misconceptions, and provide individualized education and reassurance, strengthening the nurse–client relationship and promoting psychological readiness for treatment.