A mastectomy is recommended for a 68-year-old client diagnosed with breast cancer a week ago. When approached about giving consent for the mastectomy, the client says, “What is the use in trying to get rid of the cancer? It will just come back! I can't handle another thing—having diabetes is enough. Besides, I'm getting old. It would be different if I were younger and had more energy.” What should the nurse do?
1. Accept the client's decision since it is her right to choose to obtain treatment or not.
2. Give the client information about the 5-and 10-year survival rates for breast cancer clients who underwent mastectomies.
3. Call the chaplain to speak with the client about her hopeless attitude about the future.
4. Explore with the client her feelings about her health problems and proposed surgery.
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