The parent of an infant with colic tells the nurse, "All this baby does is scream at me; it is a constant worry." What is the nurse's best action?
a. Encourage the parent to verbalize feelings.
b. Encourage the parent not to worry so much.
c. Assess the parent for other signs of inadequate parenting.
d. Reassure the parent that colic rarely lasts past age 9 months.
ANS: A
Colic is multifactorial, and no single treatment is effective for all infants. The parent is verbalizing concern and worry. The nurse should allow the parent to put these feelings into words. An empathetic, gentle, and reassuring attitude, in addition to suggestions about remedies, will help alleviate the parent's anxiety. The nurse should reassure the parent that he or she is not doing anything wrong. The infant with colic is experiencing spasmodic pain that is manifested by loud crying, in some cases up to 3 hours each day. Telling the parent that it will eventually go away does not help him or her through the current situation.
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