Nurse's Pocket Guide

• Assess information available to and understood by the family/
SO(s).
• Discuss family perceptions of situation. Expectations of client
and family members may/may not differ and/or be realistic.
• Identify role of the client in family and how illness has
changed the family organization.
• Note other factors besides the client’s illness that are affecting
abilities of family members to provide needed support.
NURSING PRIORITY NO. 2.To assist family to reactivate/develop
skills to deal with current situation:
• Listen to client’s/SO’s comments, remarks, and expression of
concern(s). Note nonverbal behaviors and/or responses and
congruency.
• Encourage family members to verbalize feelings openly/clearly.
• Discuss underlying reasons for behaviors with family to help
them understand and accept/deal with client behaviors.
• Assist the family and client to understand “who owns the
problem” and who is responsible for resolution. Avoid placing
blame or guilt.
• Encourage client and family to develop problem-solving skills
to deal with the situation.
NURSING PRIORITY NO. 3. To promote wellness (Teaching/
Discharge Considerations):
• Provide information for family/SO(s) about specific illness/
condition.
• Involve client and family in planning care as often as possible.
Enhances commitment to plan.
• Promote assistance of family in providing client care, as appropriate.
Identifies ways of demonstrating support while maintaining
client’s independence (e.g., providing favorite foods,
engaging in diversional activities).
• Refer to appropriate resources for assistance, as indicated
(e.g., counseling, psychotherapy, financial, spiritual).
• Refer to NDs Fear; Anxiety/death Anxiety; ineffective Coping;
readiness for enhanced family Coping; disabled family Coping;
anticipatory Grieving, as appropriate.
Documentation Focus
ASSESSMENT/REASSESSMENT
• Assessment findings, including current/past coping behaviors,
emotional response to situation/stressors, support systems
available.
Information in brackets added by the authors to clarify and enhance
the use of nursing diagnoses.
Diagnostic Studies Pediatric/Geriatric/Lifespan Medications 219
compromised family COPING