[Answered]: The nurse is caring for an adolescent brought to…

The nurse is caring for an adolescent brought to the emergency department following a motor vehicle crash (MVC). Police inform the parent that the client was thrown from the vehicle, and they believe the client was driving while under the influence of alcohol. When the health care provider updates the parent that the adolescent has a cervical spine fracture and may be paralyzed, the parent becomes upset and says, “You are both wrong! My kid is a good child! They would never do that. They play basketball, and they are on the honor roll!” Which action should the nurse use to best help this parent at this time? Recognize the parent is experiencing denial and encourage them to ask questions about what has happened. Allow the parent to express their anger and reassure them everything will be okay. Help the client reach the acceptance stage so they can begin to make cognizant decisions. Explain that care decisions cannot be made until the parent calms down and then provide resources for emotional assistance.