An emergency room nurse cares for the family of a 70-year-old African American woman who died unexpectedly. In the waiting room, upon hearing of the death, two family members kneel to the floor moaning and do not respond
Which intervention by the nurse is most appropriate at this time?
A) Allow the family to grieve in this manner directing others away.
B) Assess these family members' vital signs and neurologic status.
C) Bring these family members to the body of their loved one.
D) Call an emergency response team to care for these family members.
Ans: A
Recognize that this "falling out" is a culturally based response and not an emergency medical condition; provide support. There is no need to assess these clients for emergency assistance. Bringing all of the family members is appropriate when the family is ready (note: family members may also "fall out" then too).
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