Safe and Effective Care Environment Q 9
The emergency room is flooded with clients injured in a tornado. Which clients can be assigned to share a room in the emergency department during the disaster?
A. A schizophrenic client having visual and auditory hallucinations and the client with ulcerative colitis
B. The client who is 6 months pregnant with abdominal pain and the client with facial lacerations and a broken arm
C. A child whose pupils are fixed and dilated and his parents, and a client with a frontal head injury
D. The client who arrives with a large puncture wound to the abdomen and the client with chest pain
Correct Answer: B. The client who is 6 months pregnant with abdominal pain and the client with facial lacerations and a broken arm
The pregnant client and the client with a broken arm and facial lacerations are the best choices for placing in the same room. Cohorting of patients according to the presence or absence of specific pathogens coupled with conventional hygienic precautions can lead to a decrease in incidence and prevalence of chronic infections with these two species, wherefore patient cohorting is now an integral component of infection control in patients.
Option A: Schizophrenia is a brain disorder that probably comprises multiple etiologies. The hallmark symptom of schizophrenia is psychosis, such as experiencing auditory hallucinations (voices) and delusions (fixed false beliefs). Impaired cognition or a disturbance in information processing is an underappreciated symptom that interferes with day-to-day life. Hospitalizations are usually brief and are typically oriented towards crisis management or symptom stabilization.
Option C: The goals of care are for the child and their loved ones are to be free of complicated grieving and to have access to adequate resources to allow for the natural grieving process. It is important for them to verbalize and express their true feelings and seek the help and support of others. Having privacy from other patients would be most appropriate.
Option D: This group of clients needs to be placed in separate rooms due to the serious nature of their injuries. The client with chest pain should be placed in a private room to allow him to rest. Promote expression of feelings and fears. Let the patient/SO know these are normal reactions. Verbalization of concerns reduces tension, verifies the level of coping, and facilitates dealing with feelings. The presence of negative self-talk can increase the level of anxiety and may contribute to the exacerbation of angina attacks.