A patient undergoing elective surgery expresses anxiety about postoperative complications. What is the nurse's priority action to address this concern?

Preoperative anxiety is a psychological and physiological stress response characterized by sympathetic activation, increased cortisol release, tachycardia, and heightened perception of threat. It is commonly associated with uncertainty about surgical outcomes, anesthesia effects, and postoperative recovery processes. Rationale: A. Encouraging sedative use may reduce anxiety temporarily but does not address underlying informational needs. It can also increase risk of respiratory depression or delayed recovery. This does not support patient-centered preoperative education or informed participation. B. Providing general information is helpful but lacks personalization to the patient’s specific surgical plan and risks. Anxiety is better reduced through tailored education. This approach does not fully address individualized care needs or procedural understanding. C. Explaining preoperative safety protocols and individualized postoperative care goals directly reduces uncertainty and enhances patient control. It improves understanding of perioperative processes and fosters trust. This is the most effective strategy for reducing preoperative anxiety. D. Distraction through hobbies may temporarily reduce perceived anxiety but does not address the underlying fear of complications. It lacks therapeutic depth and fails to provide necessary clinical information. This does not resolve knowledge deficit or procedural concerns.