A newborn was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit after being delivered at 29 weeks of gestation to a 28-year-old multiparous,married,Caucasian female whose pregnancy was uncomplicated until premature rupture of membranes and preterm birth. The newborn's parents arrive for their first visit after the birth. The parents walk toward the bedside but remain approximately 5 feet away from the bed. The nurse's most appropriate action would be to:
A)Wait quietly at the newborn's bedside until the parents come closer.
B)Go to the parents,introduce himself or herself,and gently encourage them to come meet their infant;explain the equipment first,and then focus on the newborn.
C)Leave the parents at the bedside while they are visiting so they can have some privacy.
D)Tell the parents only about the newborn's physical condition and caution them to avoid touching their baby.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse is instrumental in the initial interactions with the infant. The nurse can help the parents "see" the infant rather than focus on the equipment. The importance and purpose of the apparatus that surrounds their infant also should be explained to them. Parents often need encouragement and recognition from the nurse to acknowledge the reality of the infant's condition. Parents need to see and touch their infant as soon as possible to acknowledge the reality of the birth and the infant's appearance and condition. Encouragement from the nurse is instrumental in this process. Telling the parents only about the newborn's physical condition and cautioning them to avoid touching their baby is an inappropriate action.

A Newborn Was Admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit