A mother has just given birth to a newborn with a cleft lip.Sensing that something is wrong,she starts to cry and asks the nurse,"What is wrong with my baby?" What is the most appropriate nursing action?
A) Encourage the mother to express her feelings.
B) Explain in simple language that the baby has a cleft lip.
C) Provide emotional support until the practitioner can talk to the mother.
D) Tell the mother a pediatrician will talk to her as soon as the baby is examined.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

It is best to explain in simple terms the nature of the defect and to reinforce and help clarify information given by the practitioner before the newborn is shown to the parents.Parents may not be ready to talk about their feelings during the first few days after birth.The nurse should provide information about the child's condition while waiting for the practitioner to speak with the family after the examination.The mother needs simple explanations of her child's condition during this period of waiting.

A Mother Has Just Given Birth to a Newborn with a Cleft