The parent of a child born with a myelomeningocele asks the nurse, "What did I do to deserve this?" Which response is most helpful?
"You didn't do anything wrong."
"Is there any particular reason why you think this is your fault?"
"This must be a very difficult time for you."
"With surgery, your baby should have a full recovery."
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is Choice C: “This must be a very difficult time for you.”
Choice A rationale: Telling the parent “You didn’t do anything wrong” might seem comforting, but it doesn’t address the parent’s feelings of guilt or responsibility. It’s important to remember that myelomeningocele is a birth defect that occurs when the spine and spinal cord do not develop completely1. It’s often not known why this happens, but it can be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors2. Therefore, it’s not something the parent did or didn’t do.
Choice B rationale: Asking “Is there any particular reason why you think this is your fault?” could potentially lead to a constructive conversation. However, it might also make the parent feel defensive or as if they need to justify their feelings. It’s crucial to approach this situation with empathy and understanding, acknowledging the parent’s feelings without making them feel judged.
Choice C rationale: Saying “This must be a very difficult time for you” is the most helpful response because it acknowledges the parent’s feelings and offers empathy. It doesn’t place blame or make assumptions. Instead, it opens up a space for the parent to express their feelings and concerns.
Choice D rationale: While it’s true that surgery can help manage the condition1, saying “With surgery, your baby should have a full recovery” might be misleading. Myelomeningocele is the most severe form of spina bifida and can cause moderate to severe disabilities, such as muscle weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, and/or paralysis2. Each case is unique, and while some children may have less severe symptoms, others may require lifelong management. It’s important to provide accurate and realistic information.
Remember, it’s essential to approach these conversations with empathy and understanding. Parents dealing with a diagnosis of myelomeningocele are likely experiencing a range of emotions, and they need support and accurate information.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Incorrect - Developing and implementing new screening protocols does not directly indicate the effectiveness of a primary prevention program. It might indicate improved detection, but not necessarily prevention.
B) Incorrect - This outcome relates to secondary prevention (rehabilitation after disease complications) rather than primary prevention.
C) Correct- An improvement in average client scores on risk factor knowledge tests suggests that the primary prevention program has successfully educated clients about behaviors and practices that can help prevent sexually transmitted diseases. This improvement indicates that clients have a better understanding of the risks and protective measures, which is a key indicator of program effectiveness.
D) Incorrect - Diagnosing clients early in their disease process is an outcome of early detection (secondary prevention), not primary prevention.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
In this scenario, the child with a congenital heart defect is presenting with a fever and an
earache. The mother expresses concern about the child's weight and height being at the 5th percentile for his age. Given the child's medical history of a congenital heart defect, it is important for the nurse to address the mother's concerns and provide an accurate response.
The response that states "His smaller size is probably due to the heart disease" is appropriate because children with congenital heart defects may experience growth and developmental delays. Heart defects can affect the child's ability to obtain sufficient nutrients for growth, leading to slower weight and height gain. By acknowledging the relationship between the child's heart disease and his smaller size, the nurse provides the mother with an explanation for the child's growth pattern and helps alleviate concerns.
The other response options are not appropriate or helpful. Asking about the child's mental abilities or implying that the mother has not been feeding the child adequately can be perceived as judgmental or dismissive.
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