Question

A nurse is talking with a group of parents who have recently experienced the death of a child. Which of the following actions should the nurse take

a.Encourage the parents to avoid discussing the death with their other children to protect their feelings.Siblings also experience feelings of intense grief and need to know it is acceptable for the family to grieve together.
b.Recommend each parent grieve in private to avoid hindering each other's healing.Although parents tend to grieve differently, it is important they share their grief and communicate their needs to decrease the likelihood of marital upset.
c.Suggest forming a weekly support group for parents who have experienced the death of a child.MY ANSWERSupport groups are a positive resource in the process of recovery for parents following the death of a child.
d.Advise the parents to begin counseling if they are still grieving in a few months.The grief process varies for each individual. Setting an expected period for grief places the parents at risk for further problems if they feel they have not completed the grieving process in an acceptable amount of time.

Answer 1

To support grieving parents, a nurse should suggest forming a weekly support group and discuss the five stages of grief according to Elisabeth Küber-Ross. Encouraging open family communication about the loss and recognizing that everyone's grieving process is unique can help them through this difficult time.

Step-by-step explanation:

The role of a nurse in supporting parents who have experienced the loss of a child is multifaceted. One effective measure is to suggest forming a weekly support group for these parents, as it provides a space for expressing grief, sharing experiences, and receiving emotional support from others who have had similar losses. Support groups create a sense of community and understanding, which can be incredibly beneficial during such a difficult time.

Furthermore, discussing the concepts of Elisabeth Küber-Ross's five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—can help parents understand their own grieving process. Each individual's journey through these stages can vary significantly; some may experience the stages in a different order, repeatedly, or might not experience all stages. These insights can aid parents in normalizing their emotional responses, thereby promoting empathy and self-compassion during their bereavement.

This guidance aligns with understanding that grieving is a personal, individual experience that cannot be neatly contained within a specific timeframe. It's important to encourage honest communication within the family about the loss, including with other children, acknowledging that siblings may also be grieving. By recognizing the value of open dialogue and communal support, parents can navigate the complex emotions associated with the death of a child.