The parents of a newborn who has just died decide they want to hold their deceased infant. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

A) Explain gently that this is no longer possible.
B) Encourage parents to accept the loss of their newborn.
C) Offer to take a photograph of their newborn because they cannot hold newborn.
D) Get the newborn, wrap in a blanket, and rewarm in a radiant warmer so parents can hold their deceased infant.

Question

Daniel Causevic · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : D, Explanation :  The parents should be allowed to hold their newborn in the hospital setting. The newborn's body should be retrieved and rewarmed in a radiant warmer. The nurse should provide a private place where the parents can hold their child for a final time. A photograph is an excellent idea, but it does not replace the parents' need to hold the child.

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