The RN is creating assignments for the day. The team includes RNs, LPNs, and Nurse Aides.

Which patient is most suitable to assign to the LPN?

Choice A rationale
Independent thinking is a necessary component of critical thinking; however, it refers to the ability to think for oneself and make one’s own decisions. It doesn’t directly relate to a nursing student confidently communicating with a patient before performing a procedure for the first time.
Choice B rationale
Confidence is a critical thinking attitude that involves believing in one’s own abilities and knowledge. A nursing student confidently communicating with a patient before performing a procedure for the first time demonstrates this attitude.
Choice C rationale
Fairness in critical thinking involves considering all viewpoints and treating them equally. It doesn’t directly relate to a nursing student confidently communicating with a patient before performing a procedure for the first time.
Choice D rationale
Creativity in critical thinking involves thinking outside the box and coming up with innovative solutions. It doesn’t directly relate to a nursing student confidently communicating with a patient before performing a procedure for the first time.

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.