COMMUNICATION SKILLS / PATIENT AND FAMILY TEACHING




A skiing accident and admission to ICU

In the image above, a skiing accident has occurred.
The injured person  is admitted to the ICU. ICP
monitoring has been set up. Family members have
arrived and cannot make sense of what is happening.

The staff members have not taken the time to explain
what has taken place.

When taking care of a patient who has experienced a
traumatic event, the nurse should consider how to
explain to the patient and family what is being done
and if possible, get help from other staff members
to help with communication.

Helpful suggestion:

Patient and family education should always
be included in the plan of care. The nurse is
responsible for initiating and updating the
care plan. 

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