NCLEX Patient Needs Psychosocial Integrity Therapeutic Communications Related

Review NCLEX Patient Needs Psychosocial Integrity Therapeutic Communications related questions and content

A perinatal home care nurse has just assessed the fetal status of a client with a diagnosis of partial placental abruption of 20 weeks' gestation. The client is experiencing new bleeding and reports less fetal movement. The nurse informs the client that the primary health care provider will be contacted for possible hospital admission. The client begins to cry quietly while holding her abdomen with her hands. She murmurs, 'No, no, you can't go, my little man.' The nurse should recognize the client's behavior as an indication of which psychosocial reaction?

  • A. Fear of hospitalization
  • B. Fear of loss and the death of the fetus
  • C. Grief due to potential loss of the fetus
  • D. Cognitive confusion as a result of shock
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Grief occurs when a client has knowledge of an impending loss, such as when signs of fetal distress accelerate. The first stages of grieving may be characterized by shock; emotional numbness; disbelief; and strong emotions such as tears, screaming, or anger. The remaining options are not focused on the mother's expressed concerns.