A client with life-threatening injuries from a gunshot wound to the abdomen is mechanically ventilated and sedated. The client has a large family present who are asking multiple and repetitive questions. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Let each family member ask a question one at a time.
Request the healthcare provider to speak with the family.
Ask the family to identify a specific spokesperson.
Page a chaplain on call to be present for questions.
The Correct Answer is C
A) This intervention is not the best because it may take too much time and energy from the nurse, who needs to focus on the client's critical condition. The nurse may also have to repeat the same information multiple times, which can be frustrating and confusing for both the nurse and the family.
B) This intervention is not the best because it may not be feasible or appropriate at this time. The healthcare provider may be busy with other clients or procedures, and may not be able to speak with the family right away. The healthcare provider may also need to obtain the client's consent or permission before disclosing any information to the family, which may not be possible if the client is sedated.
C) This intervention is the best because it can help reduce the number and frequency of questions, and facilitate clear and consistent communication between the nurse and the family. The nurse can ask the family to choose one person who will act as their representative and spokesperson, and who will relay any information or updates to the rest of the family. This can also help respect the client's privacy and confidentiality, and prevent any conflicting or contradictory messages.
D) This intervention is not the best because it may not address the family's informational needs or preferences. The chaplain on call may provide spiritual or emotional support to the family, but may not be able to answer any medical or technical questions. The family may also have different religious or cultural beliefs that may not align with the chaplain's role or perspective.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is not the first action because it does not address the safety risk of smoking in the hospital. The nurse should document the occurrence after taking appropriate measures to prevent fire and injury.
Choice B Reason: This is not the first action because it does not stop the client from smoking in the bathroom. The nurse should obtain a prescription for a nicotine patch if the client agrees to quit smoking, but this is not a priority at this time.
Choice C Reason: This is not the first action because it does not ensure that the client will comply with the hospital smoking policy. The nurse should educate the client about the health hazards of smoking and the hospital rules, but this can be done later.
Choice D Reason: This is the best action because it alerts the authority figure who can intervene and enforce the hospital smoking policy. The nurse should notify the charge nurse as soon as possible to prevent fire and injury.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is the correct answer because the acuity level of the clients reflects their complexity and intensity of care needs. The higher the acuity level, the more time and resources are required to provide safe and quality care. The charge nurse should consider the acuity level of the clients when determining the appropriate nurse-to-client ratio and staffing needs.
Choice B Reason: The physicians' plans to perform procedures on the unit is not the most important information for the charge nurse to consider because it does not directly affect the nursing workload or staffing requirements. The charge nurse should coordinate with the physicians and other departments to ensure that the procedures are scheduled and performed safely and efficiently.
Choice C Reason: The number of clients leaving the unit for diagnostic tests is not the most important information for the charge nurse to consider because it does not indicate the level of care that the clients need or receive. The charge nurse should ensure that the clients are prepared and accompanied for their tests and that their care is continued and monitored on their return.
Choice D Reason: The skill level of the personnel staffing the unit is not the most important information for the charge nurse to consider because it does not reflect the actual demand or supply of nursing care. The charge nurse should assign and delegate tasks according to the personnel's skill level and scope of practice but also consider other factors such as client acuity, availability, and preference.
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