Question

How could you offer support to parents of newborns whose APGAR scores indicate they may be in danger?

Answer 1

APGAR SCORE is used for assessing the new born babies immediately after birth and checked at 1 minutes and 5 minutes of birth. APGAR indicates A stands for appearence, P stands pulse, G stands for Grimace, A stands for activity an dR satnds respirtaion.it got scale of 0,1,2. total score is 10, normally the child shows rate of 7-10 and mild deprssion child shows rate 4-6, Severe depression shows rate of 0-3.

when the child shows the rate 0-3 that indicates severe depression.and danger situation.

there are some reaction from parent side. they are fear, helplessness, irritable, tries to want to be with their child, difficult to concentrate, trouble eat and sleep and maintaining personal hygiene, feeling guilty, no idea about time, day.

these reaction must be kept in mind before establishinng rapport ith family. because health provider acts as strenth giver, information giver,stress dealer.

therapeutic relationship :before giving support, the nurse is a poistion to create a therapeutic relationship with the family.allow them to speak freely and be a good listener.and never a advocator for family. sitting close to them and by touching. these method allow family  to bind a relationship with the nurse.

showing professionalism:the nurse should show peacefulness and positive attitude increases confident of a family. the health provider shows respect to parents, that increases positive feeling to parents.

telling factual information: the parents are informed about the neonatal intensive care unit, environment, treatment that are provided to the newborn. the nurse avoid vague answer and behave like busy staff

meeting: arrange a meeting with their physician and explain the reason for the danger

rest and sleep: parents are allowed to have rest and diet to maintain their ability and concentrate on information which is provided by health provider.

communication:allow them to speak with their relatives and friends that creates emotional support and reduces their anxiety

visit: allow them to visit their child who is intensive care unit. explain about monitor, tubes ,condition in a simple and understanding way. this helps to have better under standing of their child condition and competence of health provider

grievences: nurse should maintain silence if the parents shows anger. never argue with them and allow them to express their feeling. there by health care provider can give emotional support to them who are depressed. parents are allowed to accept factual information. nurse must not provide assumed information.the nurse should avoid criticizing parent's behaviour

counselling: parents are given counselling for 6 months in subsequent visit  if they are not able to cope up grief.