Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - The Child with Neuromuscular or Muscular Dysfunction Related

Review Wong's Essentials of Pediatric Nursing 11th Edition Test Bank - The Child with Neuromuscular or Muscular Dysfunction related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a family whose infant was just born with anencephaly. What is the most important nursing intervention?

  • A. Implement measures to facilitate the attachment process.
  • B. Help the family cope with the birth of an infant with a fatal defect.
  • C. Prepare the family for extensive surgical procedures that will be needed.
  • D. Provide emotional support so the family can adjust to the birth of an infant with problems.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Anencephaly, a fatal neural tube defect, requires nursing support to help families cope with grief and provide comfort measures for the infant, who may survive briefly. Attachment is encouraged but secondary, no surgical options exist, and general support is less specific.