A 65-year-old patient is admitted to the hospital with heart failure.The patient's best friend accompanies her on admission.They have been sharing a home since they each were widowed 3 years ago.Both women have grown children who live out of state.Using the family nursing approach,how can the nurse best intervene?

A) Involve the friend and children in the patient's care, discharge planning, and home care.
B) Encourage the friend to wait until discharge to provide care for the patient at home.
C) Explain to the friend that for confidentiality reasons she cannot be involved in the patient's care.
D) Encourage liberal visiting hours by the friend and the patient's children.

Question

Cassie LeGrand · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : A, Explanation :   The nurse can best intervene by involving the friend and the patient's children in the patient's care,discharge planning,and home care.The friend may or may not be able to care for the patient at home.But if planning to provide home care,the patient's friend should be informed of the patient's needs while in the hospital and have an opportunity to participate prior to discharge.The nurse can involve the friend with the patient's consent without infringing on the patient's privacy.Her name needs to be listed on the patient privacy (HIPPA)form.The nurse should also encourage liberal visiting hours by the friend and the patient's children if it is beneficial for the patient's recovery; however,comprehensive involvement in care is more inclusive than simply liberalizing visiting hours and,therefore,is the best answer.

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