Final answer:
The inclusion of an 8-year-old girl in the care of her dying 12-year-old brother is important for the children's emotional well-being and assists in coping with the situation. It fosters sibling connection, allows for closure, and includes her in the family's journey through a difficult time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse may urge the family of a dying 12-year-old boy to include his 8-year-old sister in care to help her understand and cope with the situation. Including siblings in the care process can ease the sense of isolation, provide them with a realistic perspective of what is occurring, and support their emotional well-being. It's important for siblings to have the opportunity to say goodbye, and to ensure they don't feel neglected or less important during a time when family focus is on the one who is ill. Agencies and families strive to keep siblings together in situations of non-parental care because sibling relationships are significant in navigating social changes and coping with loss.
Moreover, discussions about death with dignity highlight the societal challenges in dealing with terminal illness and the care of the dying. Health institutions that provide hospice care address the medical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the terminally ill, as well as offer support to family members. It is often seen as a compassionate act to involve the family, including children, to maintain a sense of closeness and support for each other during the difficult transition brought on by terminal illness.