Parents ask why invasive diagnostic tests were prescribed for their ill child. The nurse has just gotten out of report and has not had a chance to review additional information. What should the nurse respond to the parents?
1. "I'm not sure I can answer your question just now."
2. "It's a good idea to listen to what your physician wants."
3. "Your child's doctor is the best there is. I don't see why you wouldn't follow his advice."
4. "Maybe you should get another opinion if you're not comfortable with your doctor."
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Suspending judgment means tolerating ambiguity for a time. If an issue is complex, it may not be resolved quickly and judgment should be postponed. In this case, the nurse just doesn't have enough information to give a good answer to the parents. For a while, the nurse will need to say "I don't know" and be comfortable with that answer.
Rationale 2: Telling the parents to agree with the physician before the nurse knows all the facts might be premature, even if he is the best physician in the area.
Rationale 3: Nurses should not give advice or counsel.
Rationale 4: It would be premature to tell the parents to get another opinion.
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