7. Following the diagnosis of hemophilia after the birth of their first baby boy, a nurse should immediately counsel the parents regarding the need for:
7. Following the diagnosis of hemophilia after the birth of their first baby boy, a nurse should immediately counsel the parents regarding the need for:
. Genetic counseling.
. Involvement in a support group.
. Involvement with a comprehensive health-care team.
. Couples' counseling.
Test-Taking Tip
Determining the cause of the hemophilia is the first action needed; it will guide the timing of all other interventions. When all four answers are correct, select the most immediate need; see the word "immediately" in the stem.
Content Area: Child Health, Hematological; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Safe and Effective Care Environment/Management of Care/Establishing Priorities
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Answer 1 is correct because genetic counseling is essential as soon as possible after the diagnosis. This will determine if the hemophilia is an X-linked recessive disorder or a gene mutation and assist the parents to determine the desirability of future pregnancies. Answer 2 is incorrect because this is not an immediate concern. Involvement in a support group is an excellent nursing intervention, but can safely be delayed for a period of time. Answer 3 is incorrect because this is not an immediate concern. Involvement with a comprehensive health-care team (e.g., pediatricians, hematologists, orthopedists, nurses, social workers, and physical therapists) will happen as the infant's needs for such referrals occur. Answer 4 is incorrect because this is not an immediate concern. Unlike many other disorders in which both parents carry the trait, the feeling of responsibility usually rests with the mother, and this can affect the couple's relationship. Couples' counseling should take place after the determination of the cause of the hemophilia is made.