A nurse is caring for a client following delivery of a stillborn infant. Which actions should the nurse take? Select all that apply.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Intrauterine fetal demise, or stillbirth, is the birth of an infant who is not alive. The nurse can assist with the perinatal bereavement process by using therapeutic communication, encouraging the parents and family to hold the infant, and providing privacy. Parents and family members may wish to help bathe and dress the infant, and should be encouraged to view and hold the body before discharge to the funeral home (Options A and D). The nurse should offer to obtain handprints and footprints, cut a lock of the infant's hair, and photograph the infant (Option E). These keepsakes are often precious mementos for grieving families who must leave the hospital without a child. However, none of these actions should be forced if the parents decline. (Option B) The nurse should encourage family members to name the infant, which helps them identify the child as part of the family. The staff should refer to the infant by name during care. (Option C) The nurse or primary health care provider should call the designated organ procurement organization, according to facility protocol. Discussions surrounding organ donation are best performed by trained personnel. Educational objective: Intrauterine fetal demise (ie, stillbirth) is the birth of an infant who is not alive. The nurse should encourage family members to hold and name the infant. Mementos (eg, hand/foot prints, photographs) should be made for the family to keep. However, none of these actions should be forced if the parents decline.

A Nurse Is Caring for a Client Following Delivery of a Stillborn