Question

A newborn was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit after being delivered at 29 weeks of gestation to a 28-year-old multiparous, married, Caucasian female whose pregnancy was uncomplicated until premature rupture of membranes and preterm birth. The newborn's parents arrive for their first visit after the birth. The parents walk toward the bedside but remain approximately 5 feet away from the bed. The nurse's most appropriate action would be to:

a. Wait quietly at the newborn's bedside until the parents come closer.
b. Go to the parents, introduce himself or herself, and gently encourage them to come meet their infant; explain the equipment first, and then focus on the newborn.
c. Leave the parents at the bedside while they are visiting so they can have some privacy.
d. Tell the parents only about the newborn's physical condition and caution them to avoid touching their baby.

Answer 1

The nurse should approach the parents, introduce themselves, and encourage them to meet their newborn, while explaining the equipment and focusing on the infant.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's most appropriate action would be to: go to the parents, introduce himself or herself, and gently encourage them to come meet their infant; explain the equipment first, and then focus on the newborn. This approach helps to establish trust and provide support to anxious parents visiting their newborn in the neonatal intensive care unit for the first time. It is important to be compassionate and informative, as the settings with medical equipment can be intimidating, and parental involvement is crucial for the emotional bonding and health of the newborn.