A primigravida is hospitalized at 32 weeks' gestation after a ...

[CharlieWard]

A primigravida is hospitalized at 32 weeks' gestation after a second hemorrhage from a complete placenta previa. The client delivers a stillborn infant 1 week later. Which intervention should the nurse perform to help this family in the grieving process?
 
  A) Remove all baby supplies from the mother's room.
  B) Refrain from talking about the baby.
  C) Facilitate and support the family viewing and holding the infant.
  D) Ask to have the mother moved off the postpartum floor.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a premature baby who was born at 28 weeks' gestation. The baby's parents tell a visiting family member, we will be able to bring the baby home in a few weeks.
 
  Which is the most therapeutic response by the nurse in this situation?
  A) A therapist could help you resolve your feelings of denial.
  B) I'm glad he's doing so well.
  C) Do you have the nursery ready yet?
  D) Although your baby is doing quite well, he probably won't be ready to come home for a few months.

[carolinefletcherr]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: C

Advocates of seeing the stillborn believe that viewing assists in dispelling denial and allows the couple to take the next step in the grieving process. If the baby was normally formed, it assists the mother to feel less of a failure. The mother should be consulted before moving her off the postpartum unit. Removing baby supplies might assist in the denial process, as will not talking about the baby.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: D

Families are often in the stage of denial with the birth of a premature newborn. It is important for nurses to gently encourage the parents to be realistic. By agreeing with the parent's statement, the nurse is prolonging the state of denial and making it more difficult for the parents to see the situation realistically. Some parents do benefit from professional counseling, but nurses still need to provide support when working with families. It is not important if the nursery is ready yet, and asking this question distracts from the real issues this family is facing at this time.

[CharlieWard]

Excellent

[LVPMS]

TYSM