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 B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Demonstrating how to complete an adverse occurrence or variance report is important, but not the most important objective. This report is a tool for quality improvement and risk management, but it does not prevent litigation by itself. The nurse should also communicate effectively with the client and/or their family, and document the incident and the actions taken.
Choice B Reason: Discussing how to handle complaints from clients and/or their families is the most important objective, as it can help prevent or resolve conflicts, and avoid escalation to legal action. The nurse should listen empathetically, acknowledge the client's feelings and concerns, apologize if appropriate, explain the situation and the plan of care, and involve the supervisor or other resources if needed.
Choice C Reason: Describing how to obtain legal services if needed is relevant, but not the most important objective.
This objective implies that litigation is inevitable or expected, which may create a negative or defensive attitude in the staff nurses. The nurse should focus on preventing litigation by providing safe and quality care and building trust and rapport with the clients and/or their families.
Choice D Reason: Maintaining personal malpractice insurance is advisable, but not the most important objective. This objective may protect the nurse's personal assets in case of a lawsuit, but it does not prevent litigation from occurring. The nurse should follow the standards of practice and the policies and procedures of the organization, and document accurately and thoroughly.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This client may have an infection or sepsis, which are life-threatening complications of surgery. The nurse should assess the client's vital signs, wound appearance, and laboratory results, and notify the physician immediately.
Choice B reason: This client has a chest tube to drain the pleural fluid and re-expand the lung. The amount of drainage is within normal limits and does not indicate an emergency. The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory status, oxygen saturation, and chest tube function.
Choice C reason: This client has a gunshot wound that may have caused tissue damage and bleeding. The dressing with 2 cm-sized dark red drainage may indicate fresh bleeding, but it is not excessive. The nurse should check the dressing for signs of infection, change it as ordered, and report any changes to the physician.
Choice D reason: This client has a Jackson-Pratt drain to collect the fluid from the surgical site after a mastectomy. The amount of serosanguineous fluid is expected and does not indicate a problem. The nurse should empty and measure the drain output, record it, and report any abnormalities to the physician.
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