A nurse is caring for a client who has an implanted venous access port.

Which of the following should the nurse use to access the port?

Choice A reason:

Offer to take pictures of the newborn for the client is the right choice, During the initial grieving process after experiencing a stillbirth, the nurse should offer to take pictures of the newborn for the client if the client wishes. Offering to take pictures is an essential and sensitive way to honour and validate the client's experience and the significance of their baby. It allows the client to have tangible memories of their child, which can be important for the grieving process and help in the healing journey.

It is crucial for the nurse to be supportive and compassionate during this time, respecting the client's emotional needs and preferences. Providing emotional support and empathy are critical components of caring for a client who has experienced the loss of a baby.

Choice B reason:

Assure the client that she can have additional children is not correct. While this statement may be well-intentioned, it may not be appropriate during the initial grieving process. The client may not be emotionally ready to discuss future pregnancies, and such assurances might minimize the significance of the loss they are experiencing. It is essential to be sensitive and refrain from making assumptions about the client's feelings or future plans.

Choice C reason:

Avoid talking to the client about the newborn. Avoiding talking to the client about the newborn may be seen as disregarding their feelings and emotions. Instead, it is essential to provide opportunities for the client to talk about their feelings and the baby if they wish to do so. Creating an environment where the client feels comfortable expressing their emotions can be crucial in the grieving process.

Choice D reason

Discouraging the client from allowing friends to see the newborn It is not appropriate for the nurse to discourage or prevent the client from allowing friends to see the newborn if they wish to do so. Grieving is a highly individual process, and some clients may find comfort and support in sharing their grief with loved ones. The nurse should respect the client's decisions regarding who they want to involve in their grieving process.

The correct answer is choice C. Holding the client’s eyes shut for a few seconds.

This is because the eyes of a deceased client do not close naturally and may remain open after death. Holding them shut for a few seconds helps to keep them closed and prevent drying of the corneas.

This also gives a more peaceful appearance to the client’s body for the family visit.

Choice A is wrong because crossing the client’s arms across their chest is not a standard postmortem care procedure. It may also interfere with the placement of identification tags on the wrists.

Choice B is wrong because placing the client in a high-Fowler’s position is not necessary or appropriate for postmortem care. The client should be placed in a supine position with the head of the bed elevated to prevent livor mortis (purple discoloration of the skin) on the face.

Choice D is wrong because removing the client’s dentures from their mouth is not recommended for postmortem care. The dentures should be left in place to maintain the shape of the face and prevent the jaw from dropping.

Normal ranges are not applicable for this question as it does not involve any physiological measurements.