A school-age child with congenital heart block codes in the emergency department (ED). The parents witness this and stare at the resuscitation scene unfolding before them. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate in this situation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Asking the parents to sit near the child's face and hold her hand is the best nursing intervention in this situation. This provides comfort and support to both the child and the parents, and allows for communication between the child and parents during this stressful time. Asking the parents to leave could cause increased anxiety and fear, while asking the parents to call family to watch the resuscitation can be overwhelming and potentially inappropriate for some families. Asking the parents to stand at the foot of the cart can be impersonal and may not provide the same level of comfort and support as holding the child's hand.

A School-Age Child with Congenital Heart Block Codes in the Emergency