At the first dressing change, the practical nurse (PN) tells the client that her mastectomy incision is healing well, but the client refuses to look at the incision and refuses to talk about it. Which response by the PN to the client's silence is best?

The correct answer is choice A: "It's OK if you don't want to look or talk about the mastectomy. I will be available when you're ready.”. Choice A rationale: This response shows empathy and understanding, acknowledging the client's feelings and respecting her decision not to look at or discuss the incision. It allows the client to take control of her own emotions and healing process, while also reassuring her that the nurse will be available whenever she feels ready to talk or see the incision. Choice B rationale: Telling the client that she will feel better when she sees the incision minimizes her feelings and may be seen as dismissive. It does not address her emotions or concerns and can be counterproductive to building trust and rapport. Choice C rationale: Suggesting to call another nurse to be present while showing the wound might make the client feel uncomfortable or pressured. It is essential to establish a therapeutic nurse-client relationship, and forcing the issue could increase the client's distress. Choice D rationale: Telling the client that part of recovery is accepting her new body image and needing to look at her incision is insensitive and inappropriate. It is not the nurse's role to dictate how the client should feel about her body or her healing process. Such a response could potentially harm the nurse-client relationship and hinder the client's emotional healing.