An infant has been pronounced dead from sudden infant death ...

[cherise1989]

An infant has been pronounced dead from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in the emergency department. Which is an appropriate question to ask the parents?
 
  a. Did you hear the infant cry out?
  b. Why didn't you check on the infant earlier?
  c. What time did you find the infant?
  d. Was the head buried in a blanket?

Question 2

An important nursing responsibility when dealing with a family experiencing the loss of an infant from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is to:
 
  a. Explain how SIDS could have been predicted and prevented.
  b. Interview parents in depth concerning the circumstances surrounding the infant's death.
  c. Discourage parents from making a last visit with the infant.
  d. Make a follow-up home visit to parents as soon as possible after the infant's death.

[Bison]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
During a SIDS incident, if the infant is not pronounced dead at the scene, he or she may be transported to the emergency department to be pronounced dead by a physician. While they are in the emergency department, the parents are asked only factual questions, such as when they found the infant, how he or she looked, and whom they called for help. The nurse avoids any remarks that may suggest responsibility, such as Why didn't you go in earlier? Didn't you hear the infant cry out? or Was the head buried in a blanket?

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
A competent, qualified professional should visit the family at home as soon as possible after the death and provide the family with printed information about SIDS. An explanation of how SIDS could have been predicted and prevented is inappropriate. SIDS cannot be prevented or predicted. Discussions about the cause will only increase parental guilt. The parents should be asked only factual questions to determine the cause of death. Parents should be allowed and encouraged to make a last visit with their infant.