A nurse is reinforcing teaching to a newly hired nurse about how family members are affected by the terminal diagnosis of a child. Which of the following statements by the new nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. "Siblings may feel as if they have lost a parent, which can lead to poor mental health." When a child is diagnosed with a terminal illness, parents often focus most of their attention on the sick child, which can make siblings feel neglected or emotionally abandoned. This can lead to anxiety, depression, or behavioral issues, requiring additional support and reassurance.

B. "Most negative feelings regarding losing a child should diminish within a year." Grieving the loss of a child is a lifelong process, and emotions do not follow a set timeline. Many parents continue to experience profound grief for years, though their coping mechanisms may improve over time.

C. "Parents are less likely to rely on hospice care services if their child has a terminal illness." Hospice care is often recommended for children with terminal illnesses, as it provides pain management, emotional support, and quality-of-life care for both the child and family. Many parents seek hospice services to ensure their child is comfortable in their final days.

D. "Parents who feel hopeful are less equipped to make decisions that limit end-of-life interventions." Hope does not prevent parents from making informed medical decisions. Parents can hope for a miracle while still making practical choices about palliative care and limiting invasive interventions when necessary.

A. "My child should not be involved in their treatment plan." Children, even those who are terminally ill, benefit from age-appropriate involvement in their care. Allowing them to participate in decisions when possible helps reduce anxiety and provides a sense of control.

B. "My child is too young for medication techniques to help with pain." Pain management, including medications and non-pharmacologic methods, is essential for children of all ages. Palliative care ensures comfort, regardless of age.

C. "Hospice will provide my child with spiritual and mental health care." Hospice care addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of terminally ill children and their families. Counseling, pastoral support, and grief resources are essential components of end-of-life care.

D. "We should not discuss the possibility of death with our child." Open and age-appropriate discussions about death help children understand their condition and process emotions. Avoiding the topic can lead to confusion and increased fear.