The nurse is caring for a client who is mechanically ventilated and receiving multiple intravenous medications. The client's family member is upset and overwhelmed by the client's clinical condition.
Which therapeutic action would be appropriate for the nurse to take?
The nurse is caring for a client who is mechanically ventilated and receiving multiple intravenous medications. The client's family member is upset and overwhelmed by the client's clinical condition.
Which therapeutic action would be appropriate for the nurse to take?
A. Let the family member spend time alone with the client
[19%]
B. Reminiscence with the family member about the client
[8%]
C. Ask the family member if they would like to speak with pastoral care
[10%]
D. Explain the different types of medications and therapies the client is receiving
[63%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Critical Care
Lesson
Critical Care Concepts
Client Need
Test Plan
Psychosocial Integrity
Related Topic
Therapeutic Communication
Item Type
Item Type
Application
Explanation
Choice D is correct. From the perspective of a family member, seeing a loved one receiving mechanical ventilation and multiple IV therapies can be overwhelming. The nurse must take an empathetic approach to the client's family, as this is a necessary caring behavior. Explaining to the family member the therapies the client is receiving can provide reassurance. It is the unknown that is likely causing the family member emotional distress, and explaining the current treatments would provide valuable information, thereby lessening anxiety.
Choice A is incorrect. The nurse should not leave the client, and the nurse should respond to the family member with an empathetic approach.
Choice B is incorrect. Reminiscing will not alleviate the family member's current emotional disposition. The nurse must focus on the here and now and review the current therapeutic modalities with the family member to ease the current emotion.
Choice C is incorrect. Asking if the family member would like to speak with pastoral care would not address the family member's emotional state. The nurse should directly address the family member's concern, which is legitimate considering the client's current clinical condition.
Related Videos
2 Key Topics
Dos & Don'ts
13.10 Therapeutic Communication
Additional Info
✓ The caring behaviors of a nurse are what are central to the profession
✓ Examples of caring behaviors include active listening, empathy, therapeutic touch, advocacy, and client fidelity
✓ During periods of critical illness, the nurse must make themselves available to provide information about the client's condition
