A nurse on a pediatric unit is practicing family-centered care. Which is most descriptive of the care the nurse is delivering?

A) Taking over total care of the child to reduce stress on the family
B) Encouraging family dependence on health care systems
C) Recognizing that the family is the constant in a child's life
D) Excluding families from the decision-making process

The three key components of family-centered care are respect, collaboration, and support. Family-centered care recognizes the family as the constant in the child's life. Taking over total care does not include the family in the process and may increase stress instead of reducing stress. The family should be enabled and empowered to work with the health care system. The family is expected to be part of the decision-making process.