Noise in the critical care unit can have negative effects on the patient. Which of the following interventions assists in reducing noise levels in the critical care setting? (Select all that apply.)
a. Ask the family to bring in the patient's i-Pod or other device with favorite music.
b. Invite the volunteer harpist to play on the unit on a regular basis.
c. Remodel the unit to have two-patient rooms to facilitate nursing care.
d. Remodel the unit to install acoustical ceiling tiles.
e. Turn the volume of equipment alarms as low as they can be adjusted, and "off" if possible.
A, B, D
A personal device with favorite music and headphones can be helpful in reducing ambient unit noise. Music therapy programs, such as harpists, can provide soothing sedative music that is often comforting to both patients and family members. Acoustical tiles help to reduce noise in the critical care setting and should be included in remodeling plans as well as new unit construction. Multiple patients in a single room would increase noise levels and contribute to an increased risk of infection. Alarms on critical equipment must never be turned off. The volume should be loud enough that the alarm can be heard by the nurse if outside the room. The lowest setting may not be loud enough, depending on the unit layout and patient assignment.
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