A nurse is preparing to admit a 6-year-old with varicella to the pediatric unit.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

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 D. This test should be performed after your baby is 24 hours old. This is because newborn genetic screening is a set of laboratory tests that detect a set of known genetic diseases that can affect a child’s long-term health or survival. The test is performed on a blood sample obtained from a heel prick when the baby is two or three days old. Performing the test after 24 hours ensures that the baby has had enough time to metabolize certain substances that could interfere with the accuracy of the test.

Choice A is wrong because the blood sample is not drawn from the baby’s inner elbow, but from the heel. Choice B is wrong because the baby does not need to drink water prior to the test, as this could dilute the blood sample and affect the results. Choice C is wrong because the test does not need to be repeated when the baby is 2 months old, unless there is a positive or inconclusive result from the first test.

Newborn genetic screening is important for early detection and intervention of certain conditions that can cause serious health problems or disability if left untreated. Parents should be informed about the benefits and limitations of the test, as well as their rights and options regarding consent and confidentiality.