Question

1. A child has just been unexpectedly admitted to the intensive care unit after abdominal surgery. The nursing staff has completed the admission process, and the child's condition is beginning to stabilize. When speaking with the parents, the nurses should expect which stressors to be evident? *Select all that apply.*

a. Unfamiliar environment
b. Usual day-night routine
c. Strange smells
d. Provision of privacy
e. Inadequate knowledge of condition and routine

Answer 1

A child's admission to the ICU post-surgery can present various stressors for the parents, including an unfamiliar environment, disrupted routines, strange hospital smells, lack of privacy, and inadequate knowledge of the child's condition and care procedures. Nurses should be prepared to address these stressors and provide support by confirming team introductions, reviewing critical aspects of care, and communicating clearly about patient-specific concerns.

Step-by-step explanation:

In addressing the stressors parents might expect when their child has been admitted to the intensive care unit after abdominal surgery, several key factors should be considered. During a critical event such as unexpected admission to an ICU post-surgery, it is usual for various stressors to be present. When speaking with the parents, nurses should expect the following stressors to be evident:

• Unfamiliar environment: The ICU is a new and possibly intimidating environment for both the child and the parents.
• Usual day-night routine: The hospital stay could disrupt the child's regular sleeping patterns and daily routines.
• Strange smells: Hospitals have a distinct smell that can be unfamiliar or unpleasant to some.
• Provision of privacy: Privacy can be compromised in an ICU setting, which might be distressing for both the child and the parents.
• Inadequate knowledge of condition and routine: Lack of information or understanding about the child's condition and the medical procedures may cause anxiety and stress.

Nurses must confirm all team members have introduced themselves by name and role and have reviewed critical aspects such as surgical site, procedure, and postoperative expectations. This helps to address the stressor related to inadequate knowledge of condition and routine. Communication about potential concerns specifically related to the patient allows for a thorough review of the care process, helping to alleviate stress originating from unknown factors. Understanding and acknowledging these stressors can enable nurses to provide more empathetic and effective support to parents during a difficult time.