The nurse is caring for a 3-year-old child whose computed tomography of the abdomen revealed Wilms tumor.The nurse discovers the child's mother sitting in the lounge sobbing.Which of the following actions by the nurse is best?
A)Pretend the mother has not been seen and pass by silently.
B)Go sit next to the mother and place a hand on her shoulder.
C)Inform the mother that there is a private parent lounge at the end of the hall.
D)Ask the mother if there is someone you can call for her.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best action by the nurse in this situation is to provide emotional support to the mother. Going to sit next to the mother and placing a hand on her shoulder is a compassionate and empathetic response that acknowledges the mother's distress and provides comfort. It is important for nurses to be sensitive to the emotional needs of family members during a difficult time. Ignoring the mother (A) or directing her to a private parent lounge (C) does not provide emotional support. While it may be appropriate to ask if the mother needs assistance in contacting someone (D), providing immediate emotional support should be the first priority.

The Nurse Is Caring for a 3-Year-Old Child Whose Computed