16. A nurse is working with the parents of an infant who has just died of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). What interventions by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Select all that apply.
16. A nurse is working with the parents of an infant who has just died of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). What interventions by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Select all that apply.
. Ask the hospital chaplain to bring the family a bible.
. Advise the family to not bring siblings to see the child who has died.
. Explain that autopsies must be performed on all suspicious deaths.
. Place a sign on the child's room door requesting visitors to first check in at the nurse's station.
. Give parents written information regarding SIDS.
. Ask parents to wait before touching the infant.
Test-Taking Tip
Note the time frame in the stem of the question: "just died."
Content Area: Child Health, End-of-life; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Psychosocial Integrity/End-of-Life Care
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Answer 1 is incorrect because the parents should be made aware of the religious resources available, allowing them to choose when and if they would like this kind of assistance. Answer 2 is incorrect because siblings should be permitted to see the child who has died if they want to. A nurse should refer the parents to the Child Life Specialist, who is an excellent resource for understanding child bereavement. Answer 3 is incorrect because, although an autopsy will be conducted, describing the child's death as suspicious at this time may be hurtful to parents. Answer 4 is correct because parents should be allowed to grieve in privacy, allowing visitors at their own discretion. Answer 5 is correct because parents may have additional needs once they return home. They may not be able to process or remember verbal information given in the hospital. Answer 6 is incorrect because parents may want to and should be encouraged to talk to and touch the child who has died.