A nurse is caring for a child on a pediatric unit who is at the end-of-life stage. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to help the sibling cope with the child's diagnosis?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Consult the Child Life Specialist to speak with the sibling. Child Life Specialists are trained to help children and their families cope with illness, hospitalization, and the end-of-life process. This is an appropriate and supportive action.B. Discourage the sibling from talking about their feelings with the child. Discouraging the sibling from expressing their feelings can be harmful and inhibit healthy emotional processing. Open communication should be encouraged.C. Limit the amount of time the sibling spends at the hospital. Limiting time at the hospital might make the sibling feel excluded or increase feelings of fear and anxiety. Involvement and presence can be beneficial for coping.D. Have the sibling leave the room during the child's care. Excluding the sibling during care can increase feelings of anxiety and helplessness. Involvement in appropriate aspects of care can be helpful for the sibling's coping process.