Which actions should the labor and delivery nurse perform when caring for a client who has decided to relinquish her newborn to an adoptive parent? Select all that apply.

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Adoption, the decision to relinquish care of a child to another, is complex and involves a variety of emotional and psychosocial responses from clients. The nurse should encourage the birth mother to create memories with her newborn to facilitate the grieving process. This may include holding the newborn, taking pictures, and naming the newborn (Option B). When the time comes, offering the client a chance to say goodbye to the newborn supports the birth mother in her emotional transition and acknowledges the importance of her relationship with the newborn (Option D). The nurse protects the client by notifying relevant staff of the decision, which prevents unintended, potentially hurtful remarks (Option C). Substituting phrases like "giving up" and "giving away" with "choosing adoption" reinforce adoption as a loving decision and not neglect or abandonment (Option E). (Option A) Avoiding discussion of adoption details until after the birth inhibits the nurse's ability to plan care that respects the birth mother's wishes for interaction with the newborn and/or involvement of the adoptive parents in the birth process. Acknowledging the adoption plan early in the plan of care encourages the client to express emotions and be involved in decision-making. Educational objective: Caring for a client who plans to relinquish a newborn to an adoptive family involves giving the client an opportunity to express emotions, be involved in decision-making, interact with the newborn, make memories, and feel reassured that the decision is one of love and not abandonment.

Which Actions Should the Labor and Delivery Nurse Perform When