A baby with Down syndrome has been born to a mother who refuses to allow any family members to visit her or the newborn. What should the nurse realize this patient is demonstrating?

Question

1. postpartum depression
2. denial
3. anxiety and guilt
4. poor bonding

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 3

Nurses must also provide care to help alleviate any patient anxiety or guilt. Anxiety of the unknown is common when awaiting diagnosis or test results, but individuals also experience anxiety from not understanding the future implications of a confirmed genetic disease. Guilt may be associated with knowledge of the existence of a genetic condition being in a family. The nurse must support patients as they contemplate telling extended family members, friends, and neighbors about a confirmed diagnosis. Patients often do not want to tell extended family members until they are ready. The nurse should encourage open discussion and expressing fears and concerns. Guilt and shame are very common as a patient deals with the loss of the expectation and dream of a healthy child. There is no evidence to suggest that the mother is in denial or has poor bonding with the infant. Postpartum depression is not an immediate response.