A client is brought to the emergency department (ED) in critical condition after a car crash. The client's family is distraught. To best help this family, the ED nurse should first
A) assist the family to make phone calls to other family members.
B) call the hospital chaplain or social worker to be with the family.
C) help the family understand the reality of the situation.
D) tell the family they must stay in the waiting room until they calm down.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The family needs a clear understanding of their loved one's condition before proceeding on to calling other family members and perhaps giving them incorrect information. Having a good understanding of the situation can also help the family calm down. A chaplain or social worker can be an effective adjunct, but the ED nurse is primarily responsible for providing information to the family. Making the family stay in the waiting room until they calm down may actually increase their agitation, although it is acceptable to give them guidelines for behaviors.

A Client Is Brought to the Emergency Department (ED) in Critical