A client on long-term mechanical ventilation becomes very frustrated when he tries to communicate. Which of the following interventions should nurse Anne perform to assist the client?
a. Assure the client that everything will be all right and that he shouldn’t become upset
b. Ask a family member to interpret what the client is trying to communicate
c. Ask the physician to wean the client off the mechanical ventilator to allow the client to talk
d. Ask the client to write, use a picture board, or spell words with an alphabet board
Answer D. If the client uses an alternative method of communication, he’ll feel more in control and be less frustrated.
Assuring the client that everything will be all right offers false reassurance and telling him not to be upset minimizes his feelings.
Neither of these methods helps the client to communicate.
In a client with an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy tube, the family members are also likely to encounter difficulty interpreting the client’s wishes. Making them responsible for interpreting the client’s gestures may frustrate the family.
The client may be weaned off a mechanical ventilator only when the physiologic parameters for weaning have been met.
a. Assure the client that everything will be all right and that he shouldn’t become upset
b. Ask a family member to interpret what the client is trying to communicate
c. Ask the physician to wean the client off the mechanical ventilator to allow the client to talk
d. Ask the client to write, use a picture board, or spell words with an alphabet board
Answer D. If the client uses an alternative method of communication, he’ll feel more in control and be less frustrated.
Assuring the client that everything will be all right offers false reassurance and telling him not to be upset minimizes his feelings.
Neither of these methods helps the client to communicate.
In a client with an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy tube, the family members are also likely to encounter difficulty interpreting the client’s wishes. Making them responsible for interpreting the client’s gestures may frustrate the family.
The client may be weaned off a mechanical ventilator only when the physiologic parameters for weaning have been met.
