A baby is born with trisomy 18. What action by the nurse is most ...

[mckennatimberlake]

A baby is born with trisomy 18. What action by the nurse is most appropriate?
 
  A.
  Allow the family members to express their grief and anger.
  B.
  Call the hospital chaplain to counsel the parents.
  C.
  Make a referral to a home health agency for home visits.
  D.
  Prepare the parents for the baby's imminent death.

Question 2

A couple has undergone prenatal testing and their fetus has an identified congenital anomaly. What action by the nurse is best?
 
  A.
  I know how you feel; my daughter has a cleft lip.
  B.
  I'm sure you will come to love your baby anyway.
  C.
  It is normal for both of you to be afraid, sad, or angry.
  D.
  You are lucky you found out now and can prepare.

[Melissahxx]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Trisomy 18 (Edward syndrome) is a rare genetic disorder with a poor prognosis; approximately 70 of infants die within the first 3 months of life. The nurse should allow the family to grieve. The parents may or may not welcome a visit from a religious person and the nurse should ask them before calling a chaplain. A home health-care agency may or may not be needed; further assessment is needed. The baby may not die immediately, so preparing the parents for an imminent death is unwarranted.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The nurse plays an important role in situations such as this by providing support and education. The nurse should use empathetic and therapeutic communication and be sure to include the father. The other statements are not examples of therapeutic communication and sound dismissive.

[mckennatimberlake]

TYSM

[scottmt]

Gracias!