What plan of care would the nurse encourage for parents with an at-risk infant in the neonatal intensive care unit?

Encouraging the mother to be reunited with her infant as soon as possible is a sound plan of care for parents with an at-risk infant in the neonatal intensive care unit. Early and frequent visitation can play a crucial role in bonding and attachment, which are essential for both the emotional well-being of the parents and the developmental needs of the infant.

When parents engage with their newborn, it facilitates opportunities for skin-to-skin contact, known as kangaroo care, which has been shown to improve infants' health outcomes, including better weight gain, decreased stress levels, and enhanced maternal-infant bonding. The emotional support that a mother can derive from being close to her baby can also help her adjust to the challenges associated with having a critically ill infant.

By promoting early interaction, nurses support the family's role in the infant's care and recovery process, reinforcing the importance of building that connection even during stressful times. This approach is often aligned with family-centered care principles that prioritize the needs of both the infant and the family unit.