Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

What is the best response when a patient's family requests to stay beyond visiting hours?

1. Determine the patient wishes

2. Explain the need to adhere to the visiting policy

3. Allow a longer stay

4. Encourage the family to leave

The correct answer is: Determine the patient wishes

The best response when a patient's family requests to stay beyond visiting hours is to first determine the patient's wishes. Understanding what the patient wants allows the nurse to prioritize the patient's needs and preferences, which is essential in providing patient-centered care. If the patient wishes for their family to stay, this can be taken into consideration in determining how to handle the situation. This approach not only shows respect for the patient's autonomy but also engages the family in the care process, fostering a supportive environment. It helps ensure that decisions made are in line with the patient's desires, which can be crucial for their emotional and psychological well-being during their hospital stay. In contrast, simply explaining the need to adhere to the visiting policy may come across as impersonal or dismissive, while allowing a longer stay without understanding the patient's perspective may violate hospital policy and compromise care for others. Encouraging the family to leave could be disrespectful, especially if the family provides significant emotional support to the patient. Thus, determining the patient's wishes addresses both the need for compliance with policy and the importance of patient-centric care.