Which response would the nurse provide the parents of a child dying of leukemia when they ask about "do not attempt resuscitation" orders?

a) "You should insist on aggressive resuscitation measures."

b) "Determine your wishes after discussing with the healthcare team."

c) "It's essential to make a decision on resuscitation immediately."

d) "Resuscitation decisions are not applicable for pediatric patients."

The nurse should advise the parents to b) "Determine your wishes after discussing with the healthcare team" regarding "do not attempt resuscitation" orders for a child dying of leukemia, emphasizing the importance of making informed, thoughtful decisions.

Explanation:

When parents of a child dying of leukemia inquire about "do not attempt resuscitation" (DNAR) orders, a nurse's response should be guided by professionalism, empathy, and factual knowledge. The appropriate response in this situation is: "Determine your wishes after discussing with the healthcare team." This advice encourages parents to make an informed decision about resuscitation orders after considering the medical facts, the child's quality of life, and the family's values and wishes. It's important to note that making such decisions involves complex ethical considerations, including the benefits and burdens of continuing or ceasing life-sustaining treatments.

Engaging in open discussions with healthcare professionals can provide clarity on the expected outcomes of resuscitation in the context of leukemia, and on how DNAR decisions align with achieving the best possible quality of life for the child. Importantly, this approach respects the autonomy of the family and ensures that any decision about DNAR orders is made based on comprehensive information and thoughtful deliberation.