2. What reactions may a family member have when a child is in the hospital with an acute or chronic illness? List three possible reactions.
• Disbelief • Frustration • Worry • Anger • Denial • Anxiety • Depression
• Fear • Guilt
3. What reaction is common in a sibling of a hospitalized child? List three possible reactions.
• Isolation • Fear • Feelings of being responsible (magical thinking) • Disruption in family roles and routines
• Problems in school • Acting-out behaviors • Sibling rivalry or jealousy • Ambiguity 4. What strategies should the nurse encourage to support the families of children they are caring for? • Communicate openly with parents through active listening about their situation, child, or fears. • Encourage the parents to stay active in the care of the child. • Support the parental role and provide encouragement through positive feedback. • Develop a trusting relationship through honest communication and strong clinical skills so the child can feel confident and secure if the parents need to leave the child solely in the nurse’s care. • Begin discharge instructions on admission. • Encourage siblings to visit and bring favorite or familiar objects to the hospital. Ensure proper preparation of the siblings about what they will see, hear, and even smell when visiting. T IPS Students should be encouraged to think about a child’s developmental level when answering these questions. The answers should reflect ways to foster support for the families while also encouraging the child to stay on the current developmental level and not regress to previously acquired achievements.
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