The parents of a preterm newborn being cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are coming to visit for the first time
The newborn is receiving mechanical ventilation and intravenous fluids and medications and is being monitored electronically by various devices. Which action by the nurse would be most appropriate? A) Suggest that the parents stay for just a few minutes to reduce their anxiety.
B) Reassure them that their newborn is progressing well.
C) Encourage the parents to touch their preterm newborn.
D) Discuss the care they will be giving the newborn upon discharge.
C
Response:
The NICU environment can be overwhelming. Therefore, the nurse should address their reactions and explain all the equipment being used. On entering the NICU, the nurse should encourage the parents to touch, interact, and hold their newborn. Doing so helps to acquaint the parents with their newborn, promotes self-confidence, and fosters parent–newborn attachment. The parents should be allowed to stay for as long as they feel comfortable. Reassurance, although helpful, may be false reassurance at this time. Discussing discharge care can be done later once the newborn's status improves and plans for discharge are initiated.
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