The mother of a patient who has experienced a term stillbirth arrives at the hospital and goes to the nurses' desk. The mother asks what she should say to her daughter in this difficult time

Question

What is the nurse's best response? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply. 1. "Use cliches; your daughter will find the repetition comforting."
2. "Remind her that she is young and can have more children."
3. "Keep talking about other things to keep her mind off the loss."
4. "Express your sadness, and sit silently with her if she doesn't respond."
5. "Encourage her to talk about the baby whenever she wants to."

Answer 1

4,5
Rationale 1: It is not helpful to use cliches, and it can sometimes be harmful.
Rationale 2: Reminding her that she is young enough to have other children downplays the importance of this baby.
Rationale 3: Nonstop talking does not allow the patient to express her emotions and feelings, which is a necessary step in the grief process.
Rationale 4: Silence is commonly what is needed most, and simply saying "I'm sorry for your loss" might help to facilitate communication.
Rationale 5: Talking is a way for the patient experiencing grief to begin to come to terms with what has happened, and is important for resolution of grief.