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."

Answer and Explanation

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 completely 1. It’s often not known why this happens, but it can be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors 2. 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 condition 1, 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 paralysis 2. 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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. This task is beyond the scope of practice for a UAP. Calling the pharmacy to obtain medications requires clinical judgment and understanding of medication administration, which is the responsibility of licensed nursing personnel. B. This task requires assessment skills, which are beyond the scope of practice for a UAP. Determining a client's need for assistance with mobility requires clinical judgment. C. This task is appropriate to delegate to a UAP. It involves transporting an item from one location to another, which does not require clinical judgment or assessment. D. This task requires assessment skills and clinical judgment, which are beyond the scope of practice for a UAP. Evaluating a client's urinary catheter involves assessing for patency and signs of complications, which should be done by a licensed nurse.

A. Pain assessments B. Antibiotics C. Occupational therapy D. Wound care E. Physical therapy

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Assessing and managing pain is a crucial aspect of providing atraumatic care for any post-operative patient, including a child with spastic cerebral palsy. It is important to monitor and assess the child's pain levels regularly to ensure their comfort and

well-being. Pain can be particularly challenging to assess in a child with cognitive and speech delays, so the nurse should use appropriate pain assessment tools and also consider nonverbal cues, changes in behavior, and physiological indicators of pain.

While antibiotics may be prescribed if there is an infection present, it is not mentioned as a priority in this specific scenario. The focus is on providing atraumatic care post-operatively.

Occupational therapy, physical therapy, and wound care are all important components of the child's overall care, but they may not be the immediate priority post-operatively. The child's specific needs and surgical procedure will determine when these interventions are appropriate and can be incorporated into the plan of care as needed. However, addressing pain is of utmost importance in the immediate post-operative period.

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The parent of a child born with a myelomeningocele asks the nurse, "What did I do to deserve this?" Which response is most helpful?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which instruction should the nurse delegate to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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