Question

The family members of a patient who has been admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with multiple traumatic injuries have just arrived in the ICU waiting room. Which action should the nurse take first?

a. Explain ICU visitation policies and encourage family visits.
b. Escort the family from the waiting room to the patient's bedside.
c. Describe the patient's injuries and the care that is being provided.
d. Invite the family to participate in an interprofessional care conference.

Answer 1

The nurse should first explain ICU visitation policies and encourage family visits.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this situation, the nurse should take the action of explaining ICU visitation policies and encouraging family visits as the first step. This allows the nurse to establish a connection with the family, provide them with important information, and help reduce their anxiety or concerns. By explaining the visitation policies, the nurse can also set appropriate expectations for the family's presence in the ICU.