The nurse is working with a laboring woman who has a known intrauterine fetal demise. To facilitate the family's acceptance of the fetal loss, after delivery the nurse should:

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Offering the parents the choice of holding the infant in their arms can facilitate their acceptance of the loss by providing closure and a chance to say goodbye. Encouraging them to look at the infant from across the room may distance them from the reality of the situation. Taking the infant to the morgue immediately may also cause distress to the parents who may feel they didn't get a chance to bond with their child. Calling family members to inform them of the birth may be appropriate after the parents have had time to process the loss and make decisions about how to handle the situation.

The Nurse Is Working with a Laboring Woman Who Has