When the parents of a 6-year-old boy with a brain tumor are told that his condition is terminal, the mother shouts at the father, "This is your fault! It never would have happened if we had sought treatment sooner!" Which intervention is best for the nurse to implement?

The correct answer is choice d. Explain to the parents that anger is a common response to grief. Choice A rationale: Referring the parents to the chaplain for grief counseling can be beneficial, but it may not address the immediate emotional outburst and the need for understanding their feelings. Choice B rationale: Telling the parents that blaming each other will not change the situation might be true, but it can come across as dismissive and may not provide the emotional support they need at that moment. Choice C rationale: Assuring the parents that a terminal diagnosis is inevitable does not address their current emotional state and may seem insensitive to their grief and anger. Choice D rationale: Explaining to the parents that anger is a common response to grief helps them understand their emotions and provides immediate emotional support, making it the best intervention in this situation.