The nurse is providing supportive care for the parents of an ...

[future617RT]

The nurse is providing supportive care for the parents of an infant who died from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Which action by the nurse are appropriate?
 
  A) Advising the parents that an autopsy is not necessary.
  B) Sheltering the parents from their grief by not giving them any personal items of the infant, such as footprints.
  C) Interviewing the parents to determine the cause of the SIDS incident.
  D) Allowing the parents to hold, touch, and rock the infant.

Question 2

The nurse is placing a newborn baby in the nursery crib with the baby's back down. The mother tells the nurse that she doubts the baby will be able to sleep that way, as all the family members sleep on their stomachs.
 
  Which action by the nurse is appropriate?
  A) Instruct the mother that placing the baby on the back will reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
  B) Place the baby on the stomach.
  C) Suggest the mother place the baby on the stomach when at home.
  D) Instruct the mother that babies do not really care in which position they are in but placing on the back is easier to provide care.

[katieost]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: D

The parents should be allowed to hold, touch, and rock the infant, giving them a chance to say good-bye to their baby. The other options are nontherapeutic. The death of an infant without a known medical condition is an indication for an autopsy, even though a specific cause of death may not be identified for SIDS.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: A

The nurse needs to model protective behavior for the mother to use when the baby is taken home. The nurse should instruct the mother that placing the baby on the back will reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. The nurse should not place the baby on the stomach or suggest that the mother place the baby on the stomach when at home. Placing the baby on the back does not necessarily make it easier to provide care.