A nurse is assisting with the care of a child who is receiving palliative care. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Encourage the guardians to seek a second opinion about their child's diagnosis: Encouraging a second opinion at this stage may not be appropriate unless the guardians express uncertainty. Palliative care focuses on comfort and quality of life rather than pursuing curative treatment. B. Guide discussions with the child about death: While open discussions are important, these conversations should be guided by the child's cues and the family's preferences. Nurses can support but should not lead such sensitive conversations without clear family direction. C. Use a calm tone of voice when speaking with the child: A calm and soothing tone helps provide reassurance and emotional comfort, which are essential aspects of palliative care. It promotes a peaceful environment that supports the child’s emotional well-being. D. Reinforce with the guardians to avoid discussing death with the child's siblings: Avoiding discussions about death with siblings can lead to confusion and emotional distress. Siblings should be supported in age-appropriate ways to understand and cope with the situation.