You are caring for an eight-year-old who is in the emergency room with need for a closed-reduction of an arm fracture. The on-call orthopedic physician will be performing the procedure using conscious sedation. You are about to move the child to a different room to start an IV when the child's father asks you if you think that they should be seeking a second opinion. Because you know that families often feel the need to protect loved ones during hospitalization, what would your first response be to the parent?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

It is important to first understand the reason behind the parent's concerns before addressing them. By asking the parent what prompted their question and how you can help, you can gain more information and potentially ease any fears they may have. This approach demonstrates empathy and a willingness to address their concerns, while also ensuring the child's safety is the top priority. Depending on the parent's response, additional actions can be taken, such as providing information on the procedure or offering a referral to another orthopedic surgeon if the parent still feels uncertain.

You Are Caring for an Eight-Year-Old Who Is in the Emergency