The parents of a terminally ill child do not want the child dying in the hospital. What can the nurse suggest to help these parent's needs?

Question

A) Admit to a long-term care facility.
B) Have hospice provided through home care.
C) Discharge the child to home right before death.
D) Have family stay with the child around-the-clock in the hospital.

Answer 1

B
Feedback:
Many families prefer that a child die at home, surrounded by family and familiar possessions, rather than in a hospital. For many children, hospice care is furnished as part of home care, so that they are not separated from their families. This would be the best suggestion for the nurse to make to the parents of the dying child. A long-term care facility is similar to a hospital and would not meet the family's needs. Discharging the child to home prior to death will not meet the needs of the family. Having the family stay with the child around-the-clock in the hospital definitely will not meet the family's needs.