A newborn is admitted to the nursery with a complete bilateral cleft lip and palate. The mother refuses to see or hold her infant. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this situation, the priority is to acknowledge and validate the mother's feelings, creating a supportive environment for her. Option D is correct as it focuses on recognizing and allowing the mother to express her emotions. This approach can help build trust and facilitate communication. Options A and B are incorrect as they do not address the mother's emotional needs and may come across as dismissive. Option C is less appropriate as it only encourages expression without explicitly recognizing the mother's current emotional state.