The nurse is caring for a family whose infant was just born with anencephaly.What is the most important nursing intervention?

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Anencephaly is the most serious neural tube defect.The infants have an intact brainstem and,if born alive,may be able to maintain vital functions for a few hours to several weeks.The family requires emotional support and counseling to cope with the birth of an infant with a fatal defect.The parents should be encouraged to hold their infant and provide comfort measures.This facilitates the grieving process because the infant has a limited life expectancy.Infants with anencephaly do not have cerebral hemispheres.There is no surgical correction available for this defect.Emotional support is needed as the family adjusts to the birth of a child who has a fatal defect.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Family Whose Infant Was