An infant was born with anencephaly and was taken immediately to the NICU.The parents are about to visit for the first time.What action by the nurse is most appropriate?
A) Call the hospital chaplain to visit the parents.
B) Obtain informed consent for emergency surgery.
C) Prepare the parents for how the infant will look.
D) Show the parents proper gowning and gloving.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Infants born with anencephaly (incomplete closure of the anterior portion of the neural tube)are often missing parts of the brain,forehead,skull,and occiput.The nurse must be very sensitive in working with the parents of such children and needs to prepare the parents for how the child will look.Well-prepared parents have a better chance of being able to bond with their child.A visit from the chaplain may or may not be welcomed.Emergency surgery is not performed.Proper gowning and gloving are not needed unless the infant is in isolation.

An Infant Was Born with Anencephaly and Was Taken Immediately