In the care plan for a newborn with trisomy 18, which focus is appropriate?

In the care plan for a newborn with trisomy 18, which focus is appropriate?

• A. Aggressive surgical interventions
• B. Palliative/end-of-life care and comfort
• C. Long-term rehabilitation
• D. Routine screening only

Answer: (B)

Trisomy 18 usually involves multiple severe congenital anomalies and a poor prognosis, so care for a newborn with this diagnosis focuses on comfort and relief of distress rather than pursuing aggressive treatments. The best approach is palliative/end-of-life care and comfort, which centers on soothing the baby, managing pain and symptoms, ensuring gentle support (such as warmth and feeding as feasible), and helping the family navigate decisions and find support. Aggressive surgical interventions are typically not pursued because they are unlikely to meaningfully extend life or improve quality and can add suffering. Long-term rehabilitation isn’t appropriate given the limited life expectancy and complex issues, and routine screening alone wouldn’t address the immediate need to maximize comfort and quality of life during the infant’s remaining time.

Trisomy 18 usually involves multiple severe congenital anomalies and a poor prognosis, so care for a newborn with this diagnosis focuses on comfort and relief of distress rather than pursuing aggressive treatments. The best approach is palliative/end-of-life care and comfort, which centers on soothing the baby, managing pain and symptoms, ensuring gentle support (such as warmth and feeding as feasible), and helping the family navigate decisions and find support. Aggressive surgical interventions are typically not pursued because they are unlikely to meaningfully extend life or improve quality and can add suffering. Long-term rehabilitation isn’t appropriate given the limited life expectancy and complex issues, and routine screening alone wouldn’t address the immediate need to maximize comfort and quality of life during the infant’s remaining time.