What is the significance of asking questions when families are not participating in a child's care?

• A. Fosters therapeutic relationships.
• B. It delays care.
• C. It increases costs.
• D. It reduces trust.

Answer: (A)

Asking questions when families aren’t participating establishes and strengthens the nurse–family relationship. It shows respect for the family’s knowledge about the child, invites input, and helps gather essential information about the child’s baseline, routines, and concerns. This dialogue communicates that the family is a valued partner in care, which builds trust and provides a foundation for safer, more individualized support. Through targeted questions, the nurse can clarify needs, reduce anxiety, and plan collaboratively for treatment and discharge. The other options don’t fit because asking questions does not inherently delay care or raise costs, and it supports trust rather than diminishes it.