A baby is born at 32 weeks' gestation and is admitted to the NICU. After 4 difficult weeks, the child's condition has improved and survival seems guaranteed. The mother comes every day to feed the infant. Between feedings, the mother sits alone in the waiting room. The mother tells the nurse that she feels her life is in a holding pattern, not yet being a parent but no longer anticipating the excitement of the planned delivery. The nurse recognizes that the mother's reaction could be defined as:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The mother's reaction of feeling her life is in a holding pattern and not yet being a parent but no longer anticipating the excitement of the planned delivery is best described as anticipatory waiting. This is a commonly experienced reaction among parents of premature infants who have experienced a disruption of the usual pregnancy and delivery experience. It is a time of waiting and uncertainty, balancing the hope for the infant's survival with the fear of potential complications. This waiting period can be extended when the infant is in the NICU, which can be a difficult and isolating experience for parents.

A Baby Is Born at 32 Weeks' Gestation and Is