Ethical Issues in Maternal Newborn Nursing Related

Review Ethical Issues in Maternal Newborn Nursing related questions and content

A maternal-newborn nurse is caring for a mother who just delivered a baby born with Down syndrome. Which nursing diagnosis would be the most essential in caring for the mother of this infant?

  • A. Disturbed body image
  • B. Interrupted family processes
  • C. Anxiety
  • D. Risk for injury
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: This mother will likely experience a disruption in the family process related to the birth of a baby with an inherited disorder. Therefore, the probable nursing diagnosis for this family is 'Interrupted family processes.' Women commonly experience 'body image disturbances in the postpartum period'; however, this nursing diagnosis is unrelated to giving birth to a child with Down syndrome. The mother will likely have a mix of emotions that may include anxiety, guilt, and denial, but this nursing diagnosis is not the most essential for this family. 'Risk for injury' is not an applicable nursing diagnosis.