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?

A. Would you like me to call another nurse to be here while I show you the wound?: Offering another nurse does not address the client’s emotional readiness. It may increase anxiety by implying pressure to view the incision before she is prepared to do so emotionally. B. You will feel better when you see that the incision is not as bad as you may think: This minimizes the client’s feelings and attempts to reassure without validating her emotions. Clients coping with body image changes after mastectomy need empathetic support rather than persuasion. C. Part of recovery is accepting your new body image, and you will need to look at your incision: Although acceptance is an important part of recovery, this response is too directive and lacks sensitivity. Forcing confrontation with the incision can hinder emotional healing. D. It’s OK if you don’t want to look or talk about the mastectomy. I will be available when you’re ready: This response acknowledges the client’s current emotional state and gives her control over the timing of her coping process. It conveys empathy, patience, and readiness to provide support when she is emotionally prepared.