A nurse is reinforcing education to the parents of a newborn who has Down syndrome. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Breathing techniques. Deep breathing exercises help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and lower anxiety, making them an effective strategy to mitigate burnout among healthcare staff.

B. Work extended shifts. Long shifts contribute to burnout by increasing physical and emotional exhaustion. Encouraging shorter shifts and adequate rest periods is more beneficial for staff well-being.

C. Facilitate discussion on vicarious trauma. Caring for terminally ill children can lead to compassion fatigue and secondary trauma. Providing a safe space for staff to discuss their experiences helps in processing emotions and reducing emotional distress.

D. Take sleep aids at night. While sleep is essential, relying on sleep aids is not a recommended long-term strategy for managing burnout. Encouraging healthy sleep hygiene and relaxation techniques is a safer approach.

E. Guided imagery. This stress-reduction technique involves visualizing calming and peaceful scenes, helping healthcare staff manage emotional strain and maintain resilience in a high-stress environment.

A. Recommending early intervention services for developmental support within the first month after birth. Early intervention is critical for children with Down syndrome to support cognitive, motor, and social development. Services such as physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy should begin as soon as possible to maximize the child's developmental potential.

B. Suggesting the parents consider genetic testing to guide future reproductive decisions. While genetic counseling can be beneficial for family planning, this is not the immediate priority for parents who are just beginning to care for their newborn with Down syndrome. The focus should be on supporting the child's development and parental education.

C. Encouraging the parents to research advancements in treatments for Down syndrome independently. While learning about Down syndrome is important, parents should receive guidance from healthcare professionals and support organizations rather than being left to navigate information on their own. Providing credible resources is more appropriate.

D. Providing the parents with a list of local pediatricians for well-child check-ups and vaccinations. While pediatric follow-ups are necessary, Down syndrome care goes beyond standard well-child visits. A more comprehensive approach includes early intervention services, specialty care (e.g., cardiology, ENT), and developmental support.