What action should the nurse implement with the family when an infant is born with anencephaly?

• A. Ensure that measures to facilitate the attachment process are offered
• B. Prepare the family to explore ways to cope with the imminent death of the infant
• C. Inform the family about multiple corrective surgical procedures that will be needed
• D. Provide emotional support to facilitate the consideration of fetal organ donation

Answer: (B)

When an infant is born with anencephaly, the baby’s prognosis is poor and death is expected soon after birth. The nurse’s most appropriate role is to prepare the family to explore ways to cope with this imminent loss. This involves honest, compassionate communication about what to expect, supporting anticipatory grieving, and helping the family make choices about comfort measures, holding the baby, saying goodbye, and being present with the infant in a meaningful way. Providing emotional support and connecting the family with available resources (social work, chaplaincy, or hospice if appropriate) helps them begin the grieving process and find a sense of closure. While bonding and attachment are important in general, the immediate focus here is supporting the family as they face the infant’s death, rather than discussing corrective procedures or organ donation, which are not the primary needs in this situation.