Introduction to Maternity and Pediatric Nursing 9th Edition Test Bank - The Family After Birth Related

Review Introduction to Maternity and Pediatric Nursing 9th Edition Test Bank - The Family After Birth related questions and content

A woman has given birth to an unresponsive newborn that NICU staff are attempting to revive. The patient and her husband are grief stricken and request the child be baptized immediately. What is the nurse's most appropriate action?

  • A. Contact the hospital chaplain.
  • B. Request the couple's clergy.
  • C. Baptize the newborn.
  • D. Ask the physician to baptize the newborn.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: If the condition of a newborn is poor, the parents may wish to have a baptism performed. In an emergency, the nurse may perform the baptism by pouring water on the infant's forehead while saying, 'I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.'