Question

The parents of a child who has suddenly been hospitalized for an acute illness state that they should have taken the child to the pediatrician earlier. Which approach should the nurse use when dealing with the parents' comments?

A. Explain the cause of the child's illness
B. Accept their feelings without judgment
C. Acknowledge that early care would have been better
D. Focus on the child's needs and recovery

Answer 1

The nurse should focus on accepting the parents' feelings without judgment, provide emotional support, and reassure them that the current focus is on their child's recovery and care.

Step-by-step explanation:

When dealing with the parents' comments about not taking their child to the pediatrician earlier, the best approach for the nurse is to accept their feelings without judgment. It is crucial to provide emotional support to the parents in this stressful time. It's not beneficial to dwell on what could have been, but rather to focus on the present situation and how the healthcare team can assist in the child’s recovery. The nurse should empathize with the parents and reassure them that the most important task at hand is the child's recovery and getting the best care possible now that they are at the hospital.