Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 84%

A patient is ambivalent about having the elective surgery. What action indicates an understanding of the word ambivalent?

Rationale

The doctor is informed that the patient is indecisive.

Ambivalence refers to having mixed feelings or being uncertain about a decision. In this context, informing the doctor that the patient is indecisive reflects an understanding of the term "ambivalent," as it highlights the patient's uncertainty regarding the elective surgery.

A (The doctor is informed that the patient is indecisive.) CORRECT

This choice accurately captures the essence of ambivalence. Being indecisive indicates that the patient has conflicting feelings or thoughts about proceeding with the surgery, which aligns with the definition of ambivalence.

B (The patient needs an interpreter to explain the elective surgery.) YOUR ANSWER

This choice does not relate to ambivalence. Needing an interpreter suggests a language barrier or a lack of understanding about the procedure, not mixed feelings or uncertainty about undergoing the surgery.

C (The patient is given a tranquilizer to calm his anxieties.) YOUR ANSWER

This option pertains to addressing anxiety, which is a separate issue from ambivalence. While anxiety might accompany indecision, administering a tranquilizer does not directly address the patient's mixed feelings or uncertainty.

D (The patient wants to discuss the expenses of the elective surgery.) YOUR ANSWER

This choice focuses on the financial aspect of the surgery rather than the patient's emotional or mental conflict about having the procedure. Discussing expenses does not indicate indecisiveness or ambivalence about whether or not to proceed.

Conclusion

Ambivalence involves having mixed feelings or being uncertain about a choice. In the scenario given, only option A—informing the doctor about the patient's indecisiveness—correctly identifies the presence of ambivalence. The other choices either address different issues entirely or do not capture the essence of mixed feelings and uncertainty that define ambivalence.

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