Verifying identity of sedated patient's family

[qtpnai03]

I work in the Neuro ICU where a lot of patients are heavily sedated. During my shift, a lot of people come in and out of the patient's room saying that they're family. How do I make sure that they are if a patient can't verify that?

[seanpdent, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP]

In my unit, a surgical/trauma ICU, we have security measures. Families are required to establish a PIN number whenever they call and or visit. In order to give any information, or allow them to come back and visit they must know and give the PIN number.

If they do not know the PIN, we direct them to speak with the immediate family members of the patient.

It does help in situations like yours.

Best of luck.