Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to reduce anxiety for a client scheduled for a choledocholithotomy?

Providing the client with information about what to expect postoperatively is a critical nursing intervention to reduce anxiety, especially for a client scheduled for a choledocholithotomy. Understanding what is going to happen after the surgery helps alleviate fear of the unknown, which is a significant contributor to anxiety. When clients are educated about the postoperative process, including potential pain management, recovery times, and the care they will receive, they gain a sense of control. This empowerment can significantly lessen anxiety levels.

The other choices offer varying degrees of comfort but are less effective in addressing the root cause of anxiety. For example, stressing the importance of following physician’s instructions post-surgery does not directly address the client's immediate anxiety about the surgery itself. Reassuring the client that surgery is common may provide some comfort, but it does not equip them with specific knowledge about their experience or what to expect. Simply acknowledging that fear is normal may validate their feelings but does not provide the constructive information needed to alleviate anxiety effectively.