A school-age child is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.The parents want to protect their child from knowing the seriousness of the illness.What should the nurse explain to the parents?
A) This will help the child cope effectively by denial.
B) This attitude is helpful to give parents time to cope.
C) Terminally ill children know when they are seriously ill.
D) Terminally ill children usually choose not to discuss their illness.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The child needs honest and accurate information about the illnesses,treatments,and prognosis.Children,even at a young age,realize that something is seriously wrong and that it involves them.The nurse should help parents understand the importance of honesty.The child will know that something is wrong because of the increased attention of health professionals.The focus should be on the child's needs,not the parents'.Children will usually tell others how much information they want about their condition.

A School-Age Child Is Diagnosed with a Life-Threatening Illness