The parents of an adolescent who is being treated for a serious head injury ask why their child is being kept unconscious. The parents say, 'The doctor said he was going to give him medicine to keep him unconscious for a few days. Why? We want to talk to him. What is going on?' What should the nurse include when responding to the parents?

A The physician is probably trying to reassure the parents because the child is still unconscious. C If their son is unconscious, he will not be aware of the severe pain his injuries will cause. B Barbiturates are given to persons with head injuries to keep them unconscious to rest the brain and reduce blood flow to the brain. D People with head injuries are often very restless. He will be sedated until that period is over.