A 22-year-old female patient recovering from a craniotomy begins crying and asking for her mother who is sleeping in the visitor's lounge. The patient's Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 15 and pupils are equal and reactive
What nursing action would be most appropriate at this time?
a. Ask the mother to come and stay with the patient.
b. Administer an as-needed sedative to calm the patient.
c. Notify the neurosurgeon that the patient is upset and crying.
d. Reassure the patient, and sit with her until she falls back asleep.
ANS: A
A GCS of 15 and other assessment findings show the patient is stable. She has been through tremendous stress and wants her mother. D. There is no reason not to ask the mother to come and stay with her. B. A sedative is not indicated and may mask assessment findings. C. There is no reason to contact the surgeon.
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