Author Question: A child has been comatose in the PICU for three days. The parents have been at the child's bedside ... (Read 37 times)

neverstopbelieb · **on:** Jun 28, 2018

A child has been comatose in the PICU for three days. The parents have been at the child's bedside or in the waiting room the entire time. Which statement by the nurse would be most helpful in promoting the parents to take a break?

1. You've been here three days. It is time for you to go home and take a shower.
2. Your child isn't aware you are here anyway, so why don't you take a break?
3. I'll be with your child, so go home and get a good nap.
4. I know you are concerned and afraid to leave. If you'd like to take a short walk, you can leave me your cell phone number and I'll call you if there are any changes.

Question 2

The nurse is assessing a newborn while the new parents watch. The nurse uses an ophthalmoscope to examine the back of the eye (the retina) and notes a positive red reflex. The nurse would explain to the parents that the red reflex indicates:

1. The absence of congenital cataracts.
2. The presence of intraocular hemorrhage.
3. The optic nerve has been traumatized during delivery.
4. Presence of amblyopia.

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

Answer to Question 1

4
Rationale 1: This statement is a negative statement and does not address the parents' emotional needs.
Rationale 2: The parents need to feel needed. It is also impossible to know whether or not the child is aware of the parents' presence.
Rationale 3: Whereas it may be a comfort to know the child will not be alone, the parents may be uncomfortable leaving the child for any length of time.
Rationale 4: This answer promises to maintain contact and encourages the parents to leave. It also recognizes the parents' concerns.
Global Rationale:

Answer to Question 2

1
Rationale 1: The light of the ophthalmoscope is reflecting off the retina producing the red reflex. This indicates there is nothing preventing the transfer of light.
Rationale 2: The red reflex is a normal finding.
Rationale 3: The optic nerve is behind the retina and not visible.
Rationale 4: Amblyopia cannot be diagnosed at this time and is not evaluated with an ophthalmoscope.
Global Rationale: