The nurse in a pediatric ICU is caring for a child who is dying of sickle cell anemia. The child's mother has been unable to eat or sleep and can talk only about her impending loss and the guilt she feels about the child's pain and suffering
What intervention has the highest priority?
A) Allowing the patient to express her feelings without judging her
B) Helping the patient to understand the phases of the grieving process
C) Reassuring the patient that the child's death is not her fault
D) Arranging for genetic counseling to inform the patient of her chances of having another child with the disease
Ans: A
Feedback:
Listening to the patient express her feelings openly without judging her is the highest priority. The nurse should not impose his or her own values on the patient. The nurse should also help the patient to understand the grieving process and use all the support systems that are available to assist her in coping with this situation. Genetic counseling may be appropriate at a later time.
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