Nokea
A client comes to the physician's office for an annual checkup. During the interview, the nurse learns that the client's husband died unexpectedly of a heart attack 2 months ago. The most appropriate response by the nurse would be.
- A. At least you and your husband enjoyed life right until the end
- B. It's better to go quickly like your husband did instead of suffering
- C. The loss of your husband must be very painful for you
- D. You'll feel better after you get over the shock of your husband's death
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An empathetic response acknowledging the pain of the loss supports the client's grieving process.
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A married couple has just received the news that the husband has terminal cancer. The wife tells the nurse, 'Maybe if we get another opinion and start treatment right away there is a chance of survival.' The nurse documents that the wife is expressing signs of which of Kubler-Ross's stages of grief?
- A. Denial
- B. Anger
- C. Bargaining
- D. Depression
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Bargaining involves seeking ways to delay or mitigate the loss, as seen in the wife's hope for a different outcome through another opinion or treatment.
The nurse is working with a woman who lost her partner nearly 3 weeks prior. The woman has recently become less emotional and expressed that few things in her life have meaning right now. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate at this time?
- A. I am concerned. You are starting to show signs of ineffective grieving.
- B. You must feel some anger. It is alright to let that out.
- C. Let's look at the things in your life that you still enjoy.
- D. You are just starting to accept that this loss is real.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The woman's reduced emotional intensity and sense of meaninglessness suggest she is beginning to accept the permanence of the loss.
A woman has just been served divorce papers from her husband. She has no financial resources and little social support. She states, 'He's not really leaving. He'll be back.' The most appropriate response by the nurse would be which of the following?
- A. Has he done this before?
- B. I'll call social services and get you signed up for financial assistance.
- C. You have to face reality. Here are the papers.
- D. How is this affecting you right now?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Encouraging the client to express how the situation affects her helps shift from denial to conscious coping.
The nurse is conducting a history and physical exam on a client who is grieving the unwanted loss of a marriage by divorce. Which of the following physical symptoms of grief would the nurse most likely expect to detect in the history?
- A. Headaches
- B. Insomnia
- C. Weight loss
- D. GI upset
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Insomnia is among the most frequent and persistent physical symptoms associated with bereavement.
The nurse approaches a client who looks very sad and is sitting alone crying. The best response by the nurse in this situation is,
- A. I'm sorry you are sad. Is there anything I can do to help you feel better?
- B. Please don't cry. It will get better.
- C. You look very sad. What is happening?
- D. What is bothering you?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Acknowledging the client's sadness and encouraging expression of feelings facilitates the grieving process without minimizing emotions.