Shortly after a cesarean birth, a newborn begins to exhibit difficulty breathing. Nasal flaring and slight retractions are noted. The newborn is admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for closer observation,

Question

with a diagnosis of transient tachypnea (TTN). The parents are notified and become anxious because they have no idea what this means in terms of medical condition. The best action that the nurse can take at this time is to:

a. refer them to the neonatologist for more information.
b. tell them not to worry because their infant will be monitored closely by trained staff.
c. explain to them that this often occurs following a birth but it will most likely resolve in the next 24 to 48 hours.
d. tell them that they will be able to come and see their baby, which will help make them feel better.

Answer 1

ANS: C
The clinical diagnosis of TTN has been established, and the nurse should provide factual information relative to the clinical condition. The RN should be able to provide information to clarify the parents' concern. Telling someone not to worry usually has the opposite effect in terms of a medical crisis. Facilitating an interaction with the newborn and parents may help ease anxiety but does not address the parents' knowledge deficit.