The nurse must prepare parents to see their adolescent daughter in the pediatric intensive-care unit (PICU). The child arrived by life flight after experiencing multiple traumas in a car accident involving a suspected drunk driver
At this time, which statement by the nurse to the family is the most appropriate?
1. "Don't worry; everything will be okay. We will take excellent care of your child."
2. "You should press charges against the drunk driver."
3. "Your child's leg was crushed and may have to be amputated."
4. "Your child's condition is very critical; her face is swollen, and she may not look like herself."
Correct Answer: 4
Rationale: The priority is to prepare the parents for the child's changed appearance. The nurse must not offer false reassurance nor project future stressful events. Truthful statements about the child's condition can be introduced after the parents have seen the child and grasped the situation. The nurse supports the family but remains nonjudgmental about accident details.
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