At the time of the first dressing change, the client refuses to look at her mastectomy incision. The nurse tells the client that the incision is healing well, but the client refuses to talk about it. What would be an appropriate response to this client's silence?

• A. It is normal to feel angry and depressed, but the sooner you deal with this surgery, the better you will feel.
• B. Looking at your incision can be frightening, but facing this fear is a necessary part of your recovery.
• C. It is OK if you don't want to talk about your surgery. I will be available when you are ready.
• D. I will ask a woman who has had a mastectomy to come by and share her experiences with you.

Answer: (C)

Respecting a patient’s readiness to discuss a traumatic event and offering ongoing, nonintrusive support is central to therapeutic communication. In this scenario, saying it’s OK not to talk about the surgery and that you’ll be available when she’s ready shows you respect her pace, avoids pressuring her, and keeps the channel for conversation open. This approach builds trust, validates her feelings, and provides a safe space for her to choose when she’s ready to share or explore her fears.

Other approaches push for discussion or involve someone else immediately, which can feel confrontational or intrusive and may cause the patient to withdraw further. By offering support without forcing conversation, you support her coping process and autonomy while still conveying that you’re there to help when she’s ready.