The charge nurse in the cardiac intensive care unit responds to a client room where a resuscitation effort is in progress. The client's immediate family member refuses to leave the room. How should the charge nurse handle this situation?

Question

The charge nurse in the cardiac intensive care unit responds to a client room where a resuscitation effort is in progress.  The client's immediate family member refuses to leave the room.  How should the charge nurse handle this situation?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If family members are not causing a disruption in care of the client, they should be allowed to stay in the room with a staff member assigned to explain the interventions being implemented. The nurse should always try to be an advocate for the client and family. Witnessing the efforts of the resuscitation team can be reassuring even when the outcome is negative. The charge nurse should be prepared to escort family members from the room if they become disruptive. (Option A) Calling security is appropriate only if the family member is disruptive or abusive to the staff. (Option B) This could increase the family member's anxiety and result in a traumatizing experience if this person does not understand what is occurring during the resuscitation effort. (Option C) Many professional organizations support allowing a family member to stay during emergency situations, in accordance with specific hospital policy. Educational objective: The nurse should support a family member who wants to be present during the resuscitation of a client. The family member should be allowed to sit or stand in an area that is out of the way of the resuscitation team. A staff member should be assigned to stay with the family member to explain the interventions taking place.

The Charge Nurse in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Responds