A newborn in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is dying as a result of a massive infection

Question

The parents speak to the neonatologist, who informs them of their son's prognosis. When the father sees his son, he says, "He looks just fine to me. I can't understand what all this is about." The most appropriate response by the nurse would be:
a. "Didn't the doctor tell you about your son's problems?"
b. "This must be a difficult time for you. Tell me how you're doing."
c. To stand beside him quietly.
d. "You'll have to face up to the fact that he is going to die sooner or later."

Answer 1

ANS: B
The grief phase can be very difficult, especially for fathers. Parents should be encouraged to share their feelings as the initial steps in the grieving process. This father is in a phase of acute distress and is "reaching out" to the nurse as a source of direction in his grieving process. Shifting the focus is not in the best interest of the parent. Nursing actions may help the parents actualize the loss of their infant through sharing and verbalization of feelings of grief. "You'll have to face up to the fact that he is going to die sooner or later" is a dispassionate and inappropriate statement.