The nurse is caring for a new mother whose infant has been diagnosed with Down syndrome. The client says to the nurse, "I'm so worried. My husband is so devastated that he won't even look at the baby." What is the best response by the nurse?

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Learning that their newborn has a genetic disorder (eg, Down syndrome) is an overwhelming experience for most parents. They may initially react with shock, disbelief, and/or denial. Once they accept the diagnosis, parents may be filled with uncertainty and doubt and experience an array of emotions, including guilt, depression, and anger about the presumed loss of their perfect child. When helping the family cope with the crisis, the nurse needs to keep the lines of communication open and offer support. The nurse should use open-ended therapeutic communication techniques that encourage the family members to verbalize what they are feeling or experiencing (Option B). therapeutic communication techniques (Option A) This is a true statement; supportive counseling is usually beneficial to new parents of children with disabilities. The nurse can refer clients to family support groups or even make the initial phone call for them. However, the nurse should first encourage the parents to express how they are feeling. (Option C) This is not the best response. The nurse has a role and responsibility to offer support to clients experiencing a crisis. (Option D) This is accusatory and nontherapeutic. The nurse should avoid asking "why" questions when attempting to gain more information. nontherapeutic Educational objective: Parents of newborns diagnosed with Down syndrome or other developmental disabilities may experience shock or disbelief along with a wide array of emotions. Nurses should be supportive by using therapeutic communication techniques that encourage the family to talk about what they are experiencing and/or feeling.

The Nurse Is Caring for a New Mother Whose Infant