The home health nurse is caring for a child who requires complex care. The family expresses frustration related to obtaining accurate information about their child's illness and its management. Which is the best action for the nurse?

A) Determine why the family is easily frustrated.
B) Refer the family to the child's primary care practitioner.
C) Clarify the family's request, and provide the information they want.
D) Answer only questions that the family needs to know about.

The philosophic basis for family-centered practice is the recognition that the family is the constant in the child's life. It is essential and appropriate that the family have complete and accurate information about their child's illness and management. The nurse may first have to clarify what information the family believes has not been communicated. The family's frustration arises from their perception that they are not receiving information pertinent to their child's care. Referring the family to the child's primary care practitioner does not help the family. The home health nurse should have access to the necessary information. Questions about what they need and want to know concerning their child's care should be addressed.