A nurse is assigned to care for an elderly, confused patient. The patient's son is sitting at the bedside and is watching a loud television program. The nurse needs to complete the respiratory and cardiac assessment and vital signs. What would be the best approach to this situation?
A) Do not say anything. Just do the best you can with the TV on loud.
B) Say: "That TV is too loud for me to do my work. You have to shut it off."
C) Say: "I'll come back after you've finished watching this TV show. Can you use the call bell to let me know when it's over?"
D) Say: "I need a quiet environment while I listen to your mother's chest. I will need to turn the TV down until I'm finished."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The primary goal for any nurse is delivery of safe patient care. The assessment is the nurse's baseline determination of that patient's condition and the basis for that shift's plan of care. Working with the family and patient by explaining what the nurse needs can establish a trusting and cooperative rapport. Doing nothing accomplishes nothing. Directing the son to turn off the TV is not a professional response. The nurse manages the care of the patient. Giving the son authority over the nurse's duty to care for the patient is inappropriate.

A Nurse Is Assigned to Care for an Elderly, Confused