The nurse has been visiting an adolescent with recently acquired tetraplegia.The teen's mother tells the nurse,"I'm sick of providing all the care while my husband does whatever he wants to,whenever he wants to do it." What reaction should be the nurse's initial response?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

It is appropriate for the nurse to reflect with the mother about her feelings,exploring solutions such as an additional home health aide to help care for the child and provide respite for the mother.It is inappropriate for the nurse to agree with the mother that her husband is not helping enough.This judgment is beyond the role of the nurse and can undermine the family relationship.Counseling,if indicated,would be necessary for both parents.A support group for caregivers may be indicated.The nurse should not ask the father in private why he does not help or suggest way the mother can get her husband to help.These interventions are based on the mother's perceptions; the father may have a full-time job and other commitments.The parents may need an unbiased third person to help them through the negotiation of their new parenting responsibilities.

The Nurse Has Been Visiting an Adolescent with Recently Acquired