Author Question: The nurse is working on a busy pediatric oncology unit and has just lost her first patient. Which of ... (Read 35 times)

Frost2351 · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

The nurse is working on a busy pediatric oncology unit and has just lost her first patient. Which of the following activities would help the nurse cope with feelings of grief?

1. Keeping a scrap book of pictures of clients after they have died
2. Taking a week off from work in order to grieve
3. Attending the wake or funeral of the child
4. Leaving the unit to go home immediately after the child has died

Question 2

The nurse is visiting a family in the home to conduct a risk assessment as the family has two toddlers. The nurse plans to teach the family if which hazard is found?

1. Safety plugs in electrical outlets.
2. Medications on the kitchen counter.
3. Dead bolt locks on the doors.
4. Lack of helmets next to bicycles.

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

Answer to Question 1

3. Attending the wake or funeral of the child

Rationale:
Nurses need closure for their grief in much the same way families do. Attending the wake and/or funeral allows the nurse time to say goodbye and offers support to the family. Keeping a scrapbook of pictures of dead clients is not a healthy way to resolve grief. Taking a week off from work is probably not healthy or realistic. Leaving the unit immediately after death is desertion of a sort. The nurse should stay with the family and give death care with the family to the child, as this will also help with closure.

Answer to Question 2

2. Medications on the kitchen counter.

Rationale:
The nurse would instruct the parents to keep medications out of the children's reach. Medication poisoning happens easily with young toddlers who think the medication is candy. Safety plugs are appropriate for this age group. Dead bolt locks are appropriate to keep toddlers from wandering out to the street. Toddlers are not likely to be riding bikes at that age.