A client is in cardiac arrest with resuscitation ongoing; the spouse arrives and asks to stay with the client. What action should the nurse implement?

A client is in cardiac arrest with resuscitation ongoing; the spouse arrives and asks to stay with the client. What action should the nurse implement?

• A. Allow the spouse to be present and have a team member explain the care and answer questions.
• B. Ask the spouse to wait outside the room until the resuscitation is completed.
• C. Limit the spouse's access to the room to protect the team.
• D. Ask the spouse to leave and contact a family meeting later.

Answer: (A)

Allowing the spouse to stay with the patient during ongoing resuscitation supports family-centered care. A dedicated team member should stay with the spouse to explain what the team is doing, provide updates, and answer questions. This helps the family feel informed and reassured, reduces anxiety, and does not interfere with the life-saving efforts when communication is handled by a specific clinician who can translate actions into understandable terms. While maintaining patient privacy and focusing on the resuscitation, having a liaison ensures that the family remains present in a supportive, controlled way. Limiting access or asking the spouse to leave would increase distress and delay essential communication.

Allowing the spouse to stay with the patient during ongoing resuscitation supports family-centered care. A dedicated team member should stay with the spouse to explain what the team is doing, provide updates, and answer questions. This helps the family feel informed and reassured, reduces anxiety, and does not interfere with the life-saving efforts when communication is handled by a specific clinician who can translate actions into understandable terms. While maintaining patient privacy and focusing on the resuscitation, having a liaison ensures that the family remains present in a supportive, controlled way. Limiting access or asking the spouse to leave would increase distress and delay essential communication.