A 4-year-old girl diagnosed with leukemia will begin palliative care.The 6-year-old brother does not visit often.The parents worry their son will remember his sister as a "sad,thin,child in the hospital" rather than as his playful sister.Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?
A) "Your son can handle a visit to see his sister with your help because children are emotionally strong."
B) "Your son needs to say good-bye to his sister prior to her death; you should bring him to visit immediately."
C) "Your son will have these sad memories for the rest of his life; therefore, keeping him away is a good idea."
D) "Your son needs preparation about the change in his sister's appearance, but for his own grieving process, he needs to visit her before her death."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Parents often try to protect the dying child by limiting visitation.It is important for the nurse to communicate to the parents that visits from the sibling are important.Kübler-Ross (1983)stated that the child who has been included in the death and mourning process with the family is able to let go in a healthy way.The sibling may be able to write letters or draw pictures for the child as a way of saying good-bye.It is important that the sibling be included in the grieving process and has the opportunity to say good-bye.

A 4-Year-Old Girl Diagnosed with Leukemia Will Begin Palliative Care