Acute illness or injury usually has a major impact on patients’ lives and on those of family and friends. People are at their most vulnerable in these circumstances, often with little experience to guide them through the process.¹ In addition to the physical, may be life-threatening problems, the patient will find themselves in the uncomfortable and unfamiliar environment of acute care. The nurse therefore has a crucial role in providing care that ensures that the psychological and social needs of patients and their families are assessed and appropriate, with timely measures put in place to address them. Failure to do so may have consequences long after the patient’s initial illness or injury.

Anxiety

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