Chapter 2: Patient and Family Response to the Critical Care Experience Test Bank

1. Family members have a need for information. Which interventions best assist in meeting this need? a. Handing family members a pamphlet that explains all of the critical care equipment b. Providing a daily update of the patient’s progress and facilitating communication with the intensivist c. Telling them that you are not permitted to give them a status report but that they can be present at 4:00 PM for family rounds with the intensivist d. Writing down a list of all new medications and doses and giving the list to family members during visitation ANS: B The nurse can give a status report related to the patient’s condition and current treatment plan as well as ensure that the family has daily meeting time with the intensivist for an update on diagnoses, prognoses, and the like. Pamphlets are helpful; however, the nurse should also explain the equipment that is at this patient’s bedside and not assume that everyone can read and understand written material. Limiting the information to that provided by the physician is unnecessary and will not meet the family’s information needs. Most family members are concerned about the patient’s general condition and treatment plan. They do not want or need a detailed list of medications, doses, or other treatments.