Question

Patients requiring skin grafts or breast reconstruction often have experienced a significant trauma or illness, such as burns, accidents, or cancer. How might the members of the surgical team therapeutically respond to concerns these patients might express?

Answer 1

• Acknowledge and accept expression of feelings of frustration, dependency, anger, grief, and hostility. Note withdrawn behavior and use of denial.
• Recognize the normalcy of response to the actual or perceived change in body structure or function.
• Support verbalization of positive or negative feelings about the actual or perceived loss.
• Be realistic and positive during treatments, in health teaching, and in setting goals within limitations.
• Provide hope within parameters of individual situation; do not give false reassurance.
• Give positive reinforcement of progress and encourage endeavors toward attainment of rehabilitation goals.
• Provide thorough teaching and complete aftercare instructions for the patient.
• Refer the patient and caregivers to support groups composed of individuals with similar alterations.
• Refer to physical and occupational therapy, vocational counselor, psychiatric counseling, clinical specialist psychiatric nurse, social services, and psychologist, as needed.