The family members of a patient who has just been admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with multiple traumatic injuries have just arrived in the ICU waiting room. Which action should the nurse take next?
a. Explain ICU visitation policies and encourage family visits.
b. Immediately take the family members to the patient's bedside.
c. Describe the patient's injuries and the care that is being provided.
d. Invite the family to participate in a multidisciplinary care conference.
ANS: C
Lack of information is a major source of anxiety for family members and should be addressed first. Family members should be prepared for the patient's appearance and the ICU environment before visiting the patient for the first time. ICU visiting should be individualized to each patient and family rather than being dictated by rigid visitation policies. Inviting the family to participate in a multidisciplinary conference is appropriate but should not be the initial action by the nurse.
You might also like to view...
The nurse is providing health teaching to a newly diagnosed asthmatic patient. The patient has been prescribed theophylline. What is contraindicated with the use of this drug?
A) Using insulin B) Taking anti-inflammatory drugs C) Exercising D) Smoking cigarettes
A family member asks the nurse of the benefits of immunotherapy. The nurse would be most correct to state which of the following?
A) Immunotherapy strengthens the immune system to prevent cancer. B) Immunotherapy uses homeopathic properties to prevent free radical release. C) Immunotherapy stimulates the immune response to attack and rid the body of cancer cells. D) Immunotherapy promotes removal of good and bad multiplying cells.
The perinatal nurse includes a pain assessment as part of the postpartum care provided to each patient. This action helps to:
Select all answers that apply: A) Decrease the recovery time B) Decrease the risk of depression C) Increase the length of the hospital stay D) Decrease the patient's coping ability
The nurse is caring for a 30-year-old white man whose wife has recently died. The patient has been diagnosed with clinical depression and is demonstrating insufficient coping skills. Which action by the nurse would be most important?
A) Refer the patient for long-term psychotherapy. B) Determine the patient's risk of psychosis. C) Determine if anyone in the patient's family has had depression. D) Ask the patient if he is thinking about killing himself.