A hospitalized client with a tentative pancreatic cancer diagnosis asks the nurse for reassurance. What is the best reply?

A hospitalized client with a tentative pancreatic cancer diagnosis asks the nurse for reassurance. What is the best reply?

• A. I don't know if you do; let's talk about it.
• B. What makes you think you have cancer?
• C. Why don't you discuss this with your primary healthcare provider?
• D. You needn't worry now; we won't know the answer for a few days.

Answer: (A)

When a patient is anxious about an uncertain diagnosis, the most supportive approach is to acknowledge the uncertainty honestly and invite the patient to talk about what they’re feeling. Saying that you don’t know yet and offering to discuss it shows openness, empathy, and willingness to listen, which helps build trust. It also validates the patient’s emotional response and gives them a safe space to express fears and questions, so they don’t have to cope alone or feel dismissed.

This approach avoids false reassurance or shifting responsibility to someone else. It’s better than challenging the patient’s beliefs, telling them to talk to their doctor, or delivering premature reassurance, all of which can undermine trust and leave the patient feeling unheard. By opening the conversation, you can assess their emotional needs, provide appropriate information, and coordinate with the care team to support them through the waiting period.