A newborn was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)after being delivered at 29 weeks of gestation to a 28-year-old multiparous,married,Caucasian female whose pregnancy was uncomplicated until premature rupture of membranes and preterm birth.The newborn's parents arrive for their first visit after the birth.The parents walk toward the bedside but remain approximately 5 feet away from the bed.The nurse's most appropriate action is to:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse is instrumental in the initial interactions with the infant.The nurse can help the parents "see" the infant rather than focus on the equipment.The importance and purpose of the apparatus that surrounds their infant also should be explained to them.Parents often need encouragement and recognition from the nurse to acknowledge the reality of the infant's condition.Parents need to see and touch their infant as soon as possible to acknowledge the reality of the birth and the infant's appearance and condition.Encouragement from the nurse is instrumental in this process.Telling the parents to avoid touching their baby is inappropriate and unhelpful.

A Newborn Was Admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit