Author Question: The family of a 3-day-old child has just been informed that their child has cystic fibrosis. Which ... (Read 93 times)

go.lag · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

The family of a 3-day-old child has just been informed that their child has cystic fibrosis. Which statement to the family should the nurse make?

1. I can see that you are adjusting well. I'll leave you alone for a while.
2. This must be difficult news for you. What questions do you have?
3. Do you have family members or clergy you would like me to call?
4. Why didn't you have an amniocentesis during your pregnancy?

Question 2

The parents of a child with cystic fibrosis are attending genetic counseling. After their initial visit, they ask the nurse what will happen next. How should the nurse respond?

1. Your genetic counseling is a medical matter that can only be discussed with your physician.
2. You will have one more appointment with your genetic counselor and that will conclude your genetic counseling.
3. You will receive a letter from your primary care physician that explains the results of your genetic counseling session.
4. You will have a follow-up visit with your genetic counselor and you will receive additional information at that time.

bimper21 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 28, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: When a patient is given bad news, the grieving process begins. The family is grieving the loss of a normal child. This family is most likely in the shock/disbelief stage of grief.
Rationale 2: This response uses therapeutic communication techniques and portrays a caring attitude towards the family. Asking if the family has questions further facilitates communication.
Rationale 3: Although it is good to have supportive family members or a clergy person called if the family desires, it is better for the nurse to take the initiative and establish therapeutic communication and to portray caring.
Rationale 4: It is not therapeutic to ask why questions. In addition, although cystic fibrosis is diagnosable prenatally, a patient opposed to abortion often will not seek prenatal diagnosis, because the pregnancy would not be terminated if the child were affected by a chromosomal abnormality.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: The nurse should act as a liaison between the family and genetic counselor.
Rationale 2: After a follow-up visit, the family may return to the genetic counselor to ask questions and express concerns, especially if the couple is considering having more children, or if siblings want information about their affected brother or sister.
Rationale 3: Upon completion of genetic counseling, the genetic counselor sends the parent(s) and their certified nursemidwife or physician a letter detailing the contents of the sessions.
Rationale 4: After the initial genetic counseling session, a follow-up visit is scheduled in order for the genetic counselor to provide the parents with all available information and offer additional counseling.