What should you inform the mother when you find her 2-month-old infant unresponsive, apneic, and pulseless?

When dealing with a 2-month-old infant who is unresponsive, apneic, and pulseless, the most appropriate and compassionate response is to inform the mother that the child is deceased. This situation indicates that the infant has suffered a catastrophic event leading to cardiac arrest, and resuscitation efforts have not been initiated or may not be viable.

In emergencies involving children, especially infants, the emotional response of family members is significant. Communicating the death of a child is a sensitive matter that requires compassion and clarity. It is crucial to approach the situation delicately while avoiding any hope of recovery when the clinical signs are overwhelmingly indicative of a lack of vital signs.

The other options may give false hope or mislead the mother regarding the immediate situation. If the infant is indeed pulseless and apneic, saying that immediate resuscitation is needed or that there is a chance of survival might provide misleading reassurance about the infant's condition. Furthermore, stating that resuscitation efforts are beginning might not be truthful if such efforts have not yet been initiated. Therefore, conveying the reality of the infant's status is essential for clarity and for supporting the mother in a profoundly difficult moment.