A Patient Who Is Scheduled for Open Heart Surgery Is

Multiple Choice

A patient who is scheduled for open heart surgery is nervous and tense.The nurse tries to use humor to reduce tension,but the patient seems offended.Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

A) "That joke usually works to relieve tension.Let me try another one to make you laugh."
B) "You need to lighten up a little bit because patients who are anxious have more pain."
C) "I was trying to ease your tension about surgery,and I am sorry for my insensitivity."
D) "Haven't you ever heard that laughter is the best medicine? Just try to at least smile."