Question

The nurse is preparing to assess a 10-month-old infant. He is sitting on his fathers lap and appears to be afraid of the nurse and of what might happen next. Which initial actions by the nurse should be most appropriate?

Answer 1

The nurse should approach the infant and father slowly and calmly, introduce herself, and engage the father.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should take the following initial actions:

1. Approach the infant and father slowly and calmly: The nurse should approach the infant and father slowly and calmly to not further scare the infant. By being gentle and relaxed, the nurse can help create a safe and comfortable environment for the infant.
2. Introduce herself: The nurse should introduce herself to the father and explain the purpose of the assessment. This can help build trust between the nurse, infant, and father.
3. Engage the father: The nurse can involve the father in the assessment process by encouraging him to participate and reassure the infant. This can help alleviate the infant's fear and create a sense of security.