Question

The client is a 2-month-old infant extremely ill from HSV sepsis. Her mother and father have decided to stop additional medical intervention and allow the infant to pass away naturally. The mother does not want her relatives to know that they plan to stop pursuing aggressive medical treatment because it is against their family's religious beliefs to withdraw medical support. What does the nurse tell the client's mother?

Answer 1

The nurse should respect the parents' decision to discontinue treatment for their infant with neonatal herpes, assure confidentiality according to legal obligations, and provide emotional support.

Step-by-step explanation:

When discussing neonatal herpes and the intricacies of medical decisions, the nurse has to balance ethical principles such as patient confidentiality and the provision of compassionate care. In the scenario where the parents of a 2-month-old infant with HSV sepsis decide to discontinue aggressive medical treatment, the nurse should respect the parents' decision and their right to privacy. The nurse should assure the mother that the health care team will support their choice and maintain confidentiality in accordance with their wishes and legal obligations. It is also important for the nurse to provide emotional support and ensure clear communication with the family during this difficult time.