Surgery can be a major stressor for many patients. The nurse can reduce stress by showing empathy, displaying competence, and offering encouragement. For adult patients, the nurse can lean on the patient's own coping mechanisms to help reduce anxiety. Asking the patient to participate in presurgical preparation allows the patient to maintain control over the situation. Benzodiazepines are antianxiety medications that may be prescribed to calm the patient prior to the procedure. Leaving the patient alone is likely to increase, not reduce anxiety.