A woman has delivered twins. The first twin was stillborn, and ...

[NClaborn]

A woman has delivered twins. The first twin was stillborn, and the second is in the intensive care nursery and is recovering quickly from respiratory distress. The woman is crying softly and says, I wish my baby could have lived.
 
   What is the most therapeutic response? a. Don't be sad. At least you have one healthy baby.
  b. How soon do you plan to have another baby?
  c. I have a friend who lost a twin and she's doing just fine now.
  d. I am so sorry about your loss. Would you like to talk about it?

Question 2

Which situation poses the greatest challenge to the nurse working with a child and family?
 
  a. Twenty-four-hour observation
  b. Emergency hospitalization
  c. Outpatient admission
  d. Rehabilitation admission

[chinwesucks]

Answer to Question 1

D
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A This is denying the loss of the other infant.
B This is denying the loss of the infant and her grief and belittling her feelings.
C This is belittling her feelings.
D The nurse should recognize the woman's grief and its significance.

Answer to Question 2

B
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A Although preparation time may be limited with a 24-hour observation, this
situation does not usually involve the acuteness of the situation and the high
levels of anxiety associated with emergency admission.
B Emergency hospitalization involves (1) limited time for preparation both for the
child and family, (2) situations that cause fear for the family that the child may
die or be permanently disabled, and (3) a high level of activity, which can foster
further anxiety.
C Outpatient admission generally involves preparation time for the family and
child. Because of the lower level of acuteness in these settings, anxiety levels are
not as high.
D Rehabilitation admission follows a serious illness or disease. This type of unit
may resemble a home environment, which decreases the child's and family's
anxiety.