The nurse is providing support to a mother whose newborn is diagnosed with a life-threatening defect. The mother states, "I just want to go home and never come back." Which reaction by the mother does the nurse recognize?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The statement, "I just want to go home and never come back," suggests that the mother is experiencing emotional distancing, which is a common reaction in response to a distressing diagnosis or situation. The mother may be trying to emotionally protect herself from the pain and stress of the situation by withdrawing emotionally. Guilty feelings, delay of attachment process, and disruption of family life may also be present, but they are not the primary reaction that the mother is expressing in this statement.

The Nurse Is Providing Support to a Mother Whose Newborn