What is an important nursing responsibility when dealing with a family experiencing the loss of an infant from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?

Bacteria that synthesize vitamin K is not present in the newborn’s intestinal tract. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting, and newborns are at risk of bleeding problems due to their lack of vitamin K. Therefore, vitamin K is given by injection to prevent hemorrhagic disease in the newborn.

Choice A is wrong because most mothers do not have a diet deficient in vitamin K, and vitamin K deficiency in newborns is not related to the maternal diet.

Choice B is wrong because vitamin K does not prevent the synthesis of prothrombin in the liver, but rather enhances it. Prothrombin is a clotting factor that requires vitamin K for its production.

Choice D is wrong because the supply of vitamin K is not inadequate for at least 3 to 4 months, but rather for a few days until the newborn’s intestinal bacteria start producing it.

choice D. Make a follow-up home visit to parents as soon as possible after the infant’s death. This is because a competent, qualified professional should visit the family at home as soon as possible after the death and provide the family with printed information about SIDS.

Choice A is wrong because explaining how SIDS could have been predicted and prevented is inappropriate.

SIDS cannot be prevented or predicted. Discussions about the cause will only increase parental guilt.

Choice B is wrong because the parents should be asked only factual questions to determine the cause of death. Interviewing parents in-depth concerning the circumstances surrounding the infant’s death may be intrusive and stressful.

Choice C is wrong because parents should be allowed and encouraged to make a last visit with their infant. Discouraging parents from making a last visit with the infant may deprive them of an opportunity to say goodbye and grieve.