A client is undergoing chest tube placement in the emergency department after being involved in a motor vehicle collision. The client's spouse arrives and demands to be with the client. Which action should the nurse take?
A)Allow the spouse in the room, out of the way of care providers, and explain the events occurring with the client
B)Assist the spouse in observing outside the room through a window and have a chaplain explain the care being provided
C)Explain the client's condition, but inform the spouse that entering the room is not allowed until the client is stabilized
D)Inform the spouse that being in the room during procedures is unsafe for the client, and escort the spouse to the waiting area

Question

A client is undergoing chest tube placement in the emergency department after being involved in a motor vehicle collision.  The client's spouse arrives and demands to be with the client.  Which action should the nurse take?
A)Allow the spouse in the room, out of the way of care providers, and explain the events occurring with the client
B)Assist the spouse in observing outside the room through a window and have a chaplain explain the care being provided
C)Explain the client's condition, but inform the spouse that entering the room is not allowed until the client is stabilized
D)Inform the spouse that being in the room during procedures is unsafe for the client, and escort the spouse to the waiting area

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Family member presence at bedside during invasive procedures or resuscitation efforts is an important component of psychosocial care for the client and family. When a client's support person is allowed to be present at bedside to witness care during acute events, the support person is often able to better understand the client's condition and may have decreased anxiety and better coping with unexpected or poor outcomes (eg, cardiac arrest, death). Therefore, the nurse should, when possible, support and facilitate family presence in the room and provide information about the events that are occurring (Option A). (Option B) Requiring family members to watch through the window, rather than at the bedside, may increase their stress and impair coping. Although chaplains may assist with an individual's emotional or spiritual needs, chaplains are not trained to provide information related to medical or surgical interventions. (Option C) Denying the support person's presence in the room may be appropriate in certain situations (eg, uncontrollable emotional outbursts, interference with care, risks to support person health/safety). However, the nurse should provide the option of being present in the room when possible. (Option D) Although some health care professionals express concern that support person presence may negatively impact client outcomes, there is no evidence for this claim. Educational objective: The presence of family members during invasive procedures supports the psychosocial needs of the client and family. The nurse should reinforce family presence at bedside and provide information to the client's support person about the care being provided.

A Client Is Undergoing Chest Tube Placement in the Emergency