Nokea
A nurse cared for a terminally ill patient for over a month and always looked forward to spending time with the patient. When the patient died, the nurse experienced sadness and felt mildly depressed. Eventually, the nurse explains these feelings to a mentor. What should be the mentor's focus when counseling the nurse?
- A. Implementing stress-reduction strategies
- B. Seeking therapy for dysfunctional grief
- C. Discussing the experience of disenfranchised grief
- D. Considering taking a leave of absence to pursue healing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse is experiencing disenfranchised grief, which is not openly acknowledged or publicly mourned.
You may also like to solve these questions
A nurse counsels a person whose spouse recently died. The nurse uses cheer and humor to lift the person's spirits. At one point, the widowed person smiles briefly. What analysis of this scenario is correct?
- A. The nurse's technique was effective.
- B. Use of humor should be added to the plan of care.
- C. This approach may prove useful in other, similar situations.
- D. The nurse needs help developing therapeutic communication skills.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse needs help to arrive at a more therapeutic approach. Attempts at cheering up a patient who is grieving serve only to emphasize the disparity between the patient's mood and that of others. Active listening should be the technique used by the nurse.
A recently widowed patient tells the health care provider, 'I have so much epigastric discomfort. I wonder if I have an ulcer.' Diagnostic tests are negative. What does the symptom likely demonstrate?
- A. Early reorganization behavior
- B. Disorganization and depression
- C. Preoccupation with the deceased
- D. Normal phenomenon of mourning
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Sensations of somatic distress are often experienced during the acute stage of grieving.
A terminally ill patient says, 'I know I'm not going to get well, but still.' and the patient's voice trails off. Which response by the nurse is therapeutic?
- A. What do you hope for?'
- B. No, you're not going to get well.'
- C. Do you have questions about what is happening?'
- D. I'm happy you are being realistic about your future.'
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: This open-ended response is an example of following the patient's lead. It provides an opportunity for the patient to speak about whatever is on his or her mind.
An individual was killed during a store robbery 2 weeks ago. The widowed spouse, who was diagnosed 6 years ago with schizoaffective disorder, cries spontaneously when talking about the death. Which is the nurse's most therapeutic comment?
- A. I'm worried about how much you're crying. Your grief over your spouse's death has gone on too long.'
- B. The unexpected death of your spouse must be painful. I'm glad you're able to talk to me about your feelings.'
- C. This loss is harder to accept because of your mental illness. Let's refer you to the partial hospitalization program.'
- D. Your crying shows me you aren't coping well. I made an appointment for you to see the psychiatrist for medication adjustment.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The patient is expressing feelings related to the loss, and this is an expected and healthy behavior.
A nurse talks with a person whose spouse died suddenly while jogging. Which is the appropriate statement for the nurse?
- A. At least your spouse did not suffer.'
- B. It's better to go quickly as your spouse did.'
- C. The loss of your spouse must be very painful for you.'
- D. You'll begin to feel better after you get over the shock.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most helpful responses by others validate the bereaved person's experience of loss. Avoid banalities; they increase the individual's sense of isolation.