Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

What is an appropriate response for allowing a young child to visit a recovering parent?

1. Take the child immediately to see the parent

2. Explain the parent’s appearance post-surgery before the visit

3. Prohibit the visit until drains are removed

4. Tell the child no visits are allowed

The correct answer is: Explain the parent’s appearance post-surgery before the visit

Explaining the parent's appearance post-surgery before the visit is crucial for several reasons. After surgery, a parent may have visible changes due to swelling, bruising, or medical equipment, which can be frightening or confusing for a young child. Providing a description of what the child might see helps to prepare them emotionally and psychologically for the visit, fostering a sense of understanding and reducing potential anxiety. When a child knows in advance what to expect, it allows them to process their feelings about their parent's condition better and helps them adjust to any changes with a clearer context. This approach promotes healthy emotional responses and supports a nurturing environment for the family. By contrast, taking the child immediately to see the parent without preparation can lead to shock or distress. Prohibiting the visit until drains are removed may unnecessarily prolong the separation, which can create additional emotional strain for both the child and the parent. Likewise, telling the child that no visits are allowed might convey a sense of isolation or rejection, which is detrimental to both parties' emotional wellbeing. Thus, adequately preparing the child is the most compassionate and responsible response.