The nurse is giving instructions to the mother of a 10-year-old boy who is newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). When attempting to teach the mother how to administer subcutaneous insulin injections to the child, the mother tells the nurse that she is afraid of needles and cannot perform the procedure. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

Choice A reason: Encouraging the mother to handle needles despite her fear may increase anxiety, reducing compliance; it doesn’t solve the immediate need for insulin administration effectively. Choice B reason: Asking if the father can help leverages family support, ensuring the child receives insulin safely and consistently, addressing the mother’s phobia practically and promptly. Choice C reason: Assessing parenting skills evaluates overall capability but not needle phobia’s impact on insulin delivery; it delays addressing the urgent treatment need unnecessarily. Choice D reason: A 10-year-old may learn self-administration later, but immediate insulin needs require an adult; relying on the child now risks inconsistent or unsafe dosing.