The nurse is caring for a dying child on a palliative unit. Which statement by the nurse is most important to make to the parents immediately following the death of their child?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Postmortem care of a child is a highly stressful and emotional time for family and staff members. After death, the psychosocial care of the family and the bond between parent and child should be facilitated through specific interventions intended to assist parents through the grieving process. Parents should be allowed as much time as they need with the child's body and should not be rushed while they say goodbye. The nurse should be present to provide emotional support and identify if parents wish to help participate in some or all care activities, such as bathing and dressing the child. Parents should be allowed time to cuddle with and speak, read, or sing to the child, as well as perform special activities associated with cultural beliefs (Option C). (Options A and D) Providing community resources for grief support groups and assessing parents' coping mechanisms are important interventions; however, this is not a priority immediately following the death of a child. (Option B) Self care is important during the grieving process; however, parents should first be provided the opportunity to be involved in the postmortem care of their child. Educational objective: Nurses should provide emotional support and facilitate the parent-child bond in the immediate moments following the death of a child. Participation in postmortem care promotes the psychosocial wellness of the family.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Dying Child on a Palliative