Nurse: I can only imagine; that it must be a tough time for your family. Remember sepsis is non-contagious so your children are safe in his presence. And it is very important to talk about your feelings. We have social workers including chaplains who can help you with moral support considering your family is catholic. They can aid you with both emotional support and practical matters that include financial resources and even childcare.
Mrs. Daniels: Oh, I did not think about that? That will be good, I just want to be strong for my husband and kids.
Nurse: It seems like you care a lot for your family, however in such a situation it is normal to feel this way. Do care for yourself too, it is as important as caring for your family. Shall I provide you with resources to help you talk to your children regarding the situation?
Mrs. Daniels: Oh yes please, that will be helpful. I want to make sure that they are okay too. And do tell me what can I do to support my husband?
Nurse: (Empathetically) Well your support and presence are necessary for Mr. Daniels. When he wakes up, talk to him, listen to what he is saying and encourage him to rest. See if he has trouble breathing or whether he shows signs of confusion and let us know immediately. We will also communicate about ways to manage any discomfort he might feel. If he shows symptoms like ringing in his ears, communicate that to the medical team. And I will get some materials that can help you with explaining things to the children. Furthermore, I can provide information on what to expect when Mr. Daniels wakes up and how to support his recovery. (Pause) Did you notice any changes in his mood or behaviour for the past few weeks?
Mrs Daniels: Yes, please keep me updated regarding his condition, and yes, he seemed disoriented and a bit confused sometimes.
Nurse: Oh, thank you for sharing. Yes, confusion can be a result of the infection or any drugs within the body. I will monitor him and keep you updated. I will provide you with materials and resources that will explain sepsis, his treatment and his condition, what to expect in the coming days and what to watch out for? Knowing what to expect will help you with your concerns. If you have particular cultural or religious concerns do let me know, and I will arrange support for that as well. There are some support groups that you can connect with also, I will provide the contact numbers and you can reach them out for any emotional support.
