Author Question: The nurse hears the parents of a 26-week-gestation newborn tell family members, We'll be ready to ... (Read 125 times)

Deast7027 · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

The nurse hears the parents of a 26-week-gestation newborn tell family members, We'll be ready to bring the baby home in a few weeks.. The most therapeutic response by the nurse is which of the following?

1. I'm glad he's doing so well..
2. He probably won't be ready to come home for a few months..
3. A therapist could help you resolve your feelings of denial..
4. Do you have the nursery ready yet?

Question 2

A primigravida is hospitalized at 32 weeks' gestation after a second hemorrhage from a complete placenta previa. The client delivers a stillborn infant one week later.

Which of the following interventions will the nurse perform to help this family in the grief process? 1. Ask to have the mother moved off the postpartum floor
2. Remove all baby supplies from the mother's room
3. Facilitate and support the family viewing of the infant
4. Refrain from talking about the baby

duy1981999 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

2. He probably won't be ready to come home for a few months..

Rationale:
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.

Answer to Question 2

3. Facilitate and support the family viewing of the infant

Rationale:
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.