A nurse is working with a child who has a chronic illness requiring medication and frequent hospitalizations.The parents refuse to allow the child to go to the playroom,fearing germs from other children will harm their child.Which actions by the nurse are most appropriate?
A) Allow the parents to voice their concerns without being judgmental.
B) Consult with a child developmental specialist for appropriate in-room activities.
C) Document the parents' choice on the patient record and inform the staff.
D) Help the parents see the ways their child is normal while having an illness.
E) Tell the parents that the playroom and all its objects are disinfected often.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse should first listen to the parents' concerns in an open,nonjudgmental way to promote communication.Parents of ill children should be helped to see their child as a child with an illness,rather than a sick child.This viewpoint allows the child more freedom to participate in age-appropriate activities that stimulate growth and development and a sense of self-esteem.If this approach is not successful,a consultation for in-room activities would be beneficial.Of course the outcome should be noted on the chart,but this alone does not help this problem.Educating the parents about the ways in which infection control is practiced in the playroom is a helpful strategy,but this in itself is insufficient and dismissive of their concerns.

A Nurse Is Working with a Child Who Has a Chronic