When a client in the NICU has a dying infant, what is the priority action for the charge nurse?

The priority action in this scenario involves recognizing the emotional and psychological needs of the mother in a moment of significant distress. Taking the mother to the NICU immediately allows her to be with her dying infant, which is crucial for both her emotional support and the opportunity for her to bond and say goodbye. This action demonstrates the charge nurse's understanding of the importance of family involvement during such a traumatic time and can contribute to the mother's ability to cope with the impending loss.

While requests for clergy visits, offering quiet support for expressing feelings, and notifying the father are all important in their own right, the immediate need is to ensure that the mother has access to her baby. Prioritizing her presence in the NICU underscores the philosophy of family-centered care, which is essential in neonatal settings, especially when faced with loss.