A nurse is teaching a newly hired nurse about how family members are affected by the terminal diagnosis of a child. Which of the following statements by the newly hired nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Hope in parents does not prevent them from making informed decisions regarding their child’s care. Parents often maintain hope while also making difficult, realistic decisions, such as choosing comfort-focused care. Feeling hopeful can coexist with understanding the child’s prognosis. B. Grief after the loss of a child is intense, prolonged, and highly individualized. Parents may experience profound sadness, guilt, or anger for years, and it is unrealistic to expect negative feelings to resolve within a fixed timeframe. C. Siblings of a terminally ill child often experience role changes, neglect of emotional needs, and fear of losing a caregiver, which can lead to anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns. Recognizing the impact on siblings is essential for providing family-centered support. D. Parents frequently utilize hospice care services to support the child’s comfort and provide emotional, spiritual, and practical assistance to the family. Hospice involvement is often a critical resource during terminal illness.