A newborn in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)is dying as a result of a massive infection.The parents speak to the neonatologist,who informs them of their son's prognosis.When the father sees his son,he says,"He looks just fine to me.I can't understand what all this is about." What is the most appropriate response or reaction by the nurse at this time?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The phase of intense grief can be very difficult,especially for fathers.Parents should be encouraged to share their feelings during the initial steps in the grieving process.This father is in a phase of acute distress and is reaching out to the nurse as a source of direction in his grieving process.Shifting the focus is not in the best interest of the parent.Nursing actions may help the parents actualize the loss of their infant through a sharing and verbalization of their feelings of grief.Telling the father that his son is going to die sooner or later is dispassionate and an inappropriate statement on the part of the nurse.

A Newborn in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)is Dying