Question

The best nursing intervention for a patient in shock who has a nursing diagnosis of fear related to perceived threat of death is to

a. arrange for the hospital pastoral care staff to visit the patient.
b. ask the health care provider to prescribe a sedative drug for the patient.
c. leave the patient alone with family members whenever possible.
d. place the patient's call bell where it can be easily reached.

Answer 1

The best nursing intervention for a patient in shock feeling fear related to death is to ensure their call bell is within easy reach. This allows the patient to quickly summon help, addressing safety and psychological comfort. Monitoring for signs of circulatory shock and providing holistic care, including potential hospice support, are also key aspects of nursing care.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best nursing intervention for a patient in shock with a nursing diagnosis of fear related to perceived threat of death is to place the patient's call bell where it can be easily reached. Ensuring the patient has the ability to summon help when necessary is an immediate and practical measure that addresses safety and psychological comfort. This can help to mitigate fear by empowering the patient with the sense that help is readily available. While involving pastoral care, prescribing sedatives, and leaving the patient with family may all be appropriate interventions, they may not directly address the individual's fear of not being able to get help in a moment of crisis.

It's essential to be aware of the physical signs of circulatory shock, such as increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, and reduced urine output, and these require urgent medical attention. Nurses play a critical role in monitoring these signs and delivering appropriate treatments, which can include administering intravenous fluids and drugs to support blood pressure. Emotionally, the presence of shock can elicit deep fear and anxiety in patients. Addressing these feelings while also managing the physical symptoms is an important aspect of holistic care.

Nursing care during the end-of-life process, such as in hospice settings, often involves helping patients face death with dignity and support. For patients with a terminal diagnosis experiencing fear related to the prospect of dying, hospice care can offer a compassionate environment that addresses both physical and psychological needs, prioritizing comfort and dignity in the final stages of life.