Question

If the family of a dying patient is highly emotional and critical of the nursing care, which action by the nurse is appropriate?

1. Listen to concerns and provide reassurance.
2. Explain all interventions in technical terms.
3. Request that the nursing supervisor talk to the family.
4. Avoid the patient's family as much as possible to reduce confrontations.

Answer 1

The appropriate action for a nurse dealing with a highly emotional and critical family of a dying patient is to listen to their concerns and offer reassurance. Avoiding technical jargon, involving supervisors when necessary, and maintaining communication rather than avoiding the family are also key considerations in patient care.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the family of a dying patient is highly emotional and critical of the nursing care, the appropriate action for the nurse is to listen to concerns and provide reassurance. This supportive approach can help the family cope with the difficult situation and fosters a therapeutic relationship, facilitating the management of the patient's care.

It is not typically helpful to explain interventions in overly technical terms, as this can further confuse and stress the family. Requesting that the nursing supervisor talks to the family may be appropriate in certain situations, but it should not replace the direct communication and reassurance nurses can provide. Lastly, avoiding the patient's family to reduce confrontations is not a constructive approach, as it could exacerbate the family's distress and negatively impact the patient's care experience.