A family visits the child health clinic and the father says vaccines are not effective and he will not consent. What would be the best response by the practical nurse?

A family visits the child health clinic and the father says vaccines are not effective and he will not consent. What would be the best response by the practical nurse?

• A. Has your child, or any child you know, ever had a serious adverse effect after an immunization?
• B. I agree there is much conflicting information. Can you tell me more about what you read?
• C. Which vaccines have you read about that are not effective?
• D. Do you have any cultural, religious, or personal beliefs regarding immunization?

Answer: (B)

Addressing vaccine hesitancy involves acknowledging that families may encounter conflicting information and inviting them to discuss what they’ve read. The best response shows respect, curiosity, and a nonjudgmental stance, which helps build trust and opens the door for an evidence-based conversation. By saying there is conflicting information and asking what they read, you validate the parent's concern without dismissing it. This invites them to share their sources, fears, and questions, so you can tailor accurate information to their specific worries. It also signals that you’re partnering with them rather than admonishing them, which is crucial for a therapeutic nurse–family relationship and for guiding informed decision-making. The other options tend to steer the conversation in less constructive directions. Asking about adverse events shifts focus to fear and may feel accusatory or alarmist, making the parent defensive. Questioning which vaccines aren’t effective zeros in on content they may not trust and can come across as challenging their sources rather than understanding them. Inquiring about specific beliefs is important, but it doesn’t proactively uncover the information they've encountered or set up a collaborative discussion about evidence and concerns.

Addressing vaccine hesitancy involves acknowledging that families may encounter conflicting information and inviting them to discuss what they’ve read. The best response shows respect, curiosity, and a nonjudgmental stance, which helps build trust and opens the door for an evidence-based conversation.

By saying there is conflicting information and asking what they read, you validate the parent's concern without dismissing it. This invites them to share their sources, fears, and questions, so you can tailor accurate information to their specific worries. It also signals that you’re partnering with them rather than admonishing them, which is crucial for a therapeutic nurse–family relationship and for guiding informed decision-making.

The other options tend to steer the conversation in less constructive directions. Asking about adverse events shifts focus to fear and may feel accusatory or alarmist, making the parent defensive. Questioning which vaccines aren’t effective zeros in on content they may not trust and can come across as challenging their sources rather than understanding them. Inquiring about specific beliefs is important, but it doesn’t proactively uncover the information they've encountered or set up a collaborative discussion about evidence and concerns.