Care essential 10
Educate the patient and family.
Seeing a loved one attached to a mechanical ventilator is frightening. To ease distress in the patient and family, teach them why mechanical ventilation is needed and emphasize the positive outcomes it can provide. Each time you enter the patient’s room, explain what you’re doing. Reinforce the need and reason for multiple assessments and procedures, such as laboratory tests
and X-rays. Communicate desired outcomes and progression toward outcomes so the patient and family can actively participate in the plan of care.