The nurse is caring for a new mother and infant. Which action should the nurse take that allows the new parents to feel in control when being taught how to bathe their infant?

Question

1. Telling the parents everything the nurse is doing and why
2. Letting the parents watch a video after the bath
3. Letting the parents bathe the baby with direction and guidance from the nurse
4. Giving lots of advice and suggestions about different methods

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Explaining is helpful, but does not provide the clients with a sense of independence and control in the situation.
Rationale 2: Active participation enhances a client's sense of independence and control. In this situation, the baby and parents will do best with future bathing times if they are allowed to complete the bath themselves. Watching a video is helpful, but does not provide the clients with a sense of independence and control in the situation.
Rationale 3: Active participation enhances a client's sense of independence and control. In this situation, the baby and parents will do best with future bathing times if they are allowed to complete the bath themselves.
Rationale 4: Giving advice or suggestions is helpful, but does not provide the clients with a sense of independence and control in the situation.