A patient arrives at the clinic reporting a new onset of angina pectoris that has persisted for the last 30 minutes. What should be the nurse’s initial action?

Choice A rationale
Advocacy in nursing refers to supporting, promoting, and protecting the rights, safety, and wellbeing of patients. While it is important for nurses to be able to explain their practice, this scenario does not specifically illustrate advocacy.
Choice B rationale
Autonomy in nursing refers to the right of patients to make informed decisions about their medical care. This scenario does not specifically illustrate autonomy.
Choice C rationale
Accountability in nursing refers to being answerable for one’s actions and practice. The ability to explain one’s practice to patients and employers is a key aspect of accountability.
Choice D rationale
Responsibility in nursing refers to the obligations and duties that come with the nursing role. While being able to explain one’s practice is part of a nurse’s responsibilities, it is more directly related to accountability.

Choice A rationale
While trust is an important aspect of the patient-family relationship, it’s not the primary need being considered in this scenario. The nurse is discussing allowing patient families to visit as often as the patient’s condition will allow. This is more about providing emotional and social support to the patient, rather than building trust.
Choice B rationale
Social support is the primary need being considered in these conversations. Evidence shows that the unrestricted presence and participation of a support person (i.e., family as defined by the patient) can improve the safety of care and enhance patient and family satisfaction. This is especially true in the ICU, where patients are often unable to speak for themselves.
Choice C rationale
While environmental considerations are important in any care setting, they’re not the primary need being considered in this scenario. The nurse is discussing the frequency of family visits, which is more about providing social support to the patient.
Choice D rationale
Dependence is not the primary need being considered in this scenario. The nurse is discussing the frequency of family visits, which is more about providing social support to the patient.
While patients in the ICU may be dependent on medical staff for their physical needs, the presence of family can provide emotional and social support.