A nurse is preparing to discharge an 11-month-old child after a hospit

A nurse is preparing to discharge an 11-month-old child after a hospitalization for a viral infec-tion. The nurse uses anticipatory guidance most effectively when:

1. Encouraging the parents to limit visitors for 14 days
2. Providing the parents with written discharge instructions
3. Arranging the follow-up pediatrician appointment for the parents
4. Informing the parents that the child may cry when taken to daycare

ANSWER

ANS: 4
A nurse’s use of anticipatory guidance (derived from an understanding of the characteristics shown by clients in the trust versus mistrust phase of development) will help parents cope with the hospitalization of an infant and the infant’s behaviors when discharged to home. The child’s sense of trust may be challenged during hospitalization and may need support from parents when returning home. Encouraging the parents to limit visitors for 14 days is more educational and re-lated to the child’s physical recovery. Providing the parents with written discharge instructions is more educational and designed to reinforce the information. Arranging the follow-up pediatrician appointment for the parents is an action included in the discharge planning.