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After the death of his wife, a man tells the nurse, 'I can't live without her. She was my whole life.' Which is the nurse's most therapeutic reply?
- A. Each day will get a little better.'
- B. Her death is a terrible loss for you.'
- C. Remember, she's no longer suffering.'
- D. Your friends will help you cope with this.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct response demonstrates the use of reflection, a therapeutic communication technique. A statement that validates the bereaved person's loss is more helpful than clich?©s and it signifies understanding.
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A woman whose husband is terminally ill says, 'I don't want to cry in front of him. I don't want him to know how soon death will occur or how sad I am.' Which response by the nurse would be most therapeutic?
- A. I'm glad you are protecting him at a time when he is so vulnerable.'
- B. He might be more comforted than disturbed by your tears.'
- C. It's important for you to know that time is running out.'
- D. You definitely need to be honest about your feelings.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Emotional honesty is important to both the patient and the family. The patient may be comforted to know that the family is facing the inevitable.
A person whose spouse died 2 years earlier tells friends, 'I think I'm ready to start going out socially, maybe even take someone to dinner.' What does this comment best demonstrate about the individual's state of mind?
- A. Is denying the significance of the loss.
- B. Is in a period of grief resolution.
- C. Is actively working through grief.
- D. Is experiencing intrusion.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Toward the end of the grief process, the person renews his or her interest in people and activities. This behavior indicates resolution.
Psychotherapy for individuals at risk for complicated grief focuses on which goals? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Exploring emotional responses to a loss
- B. Identifying ways to break bonds with the deceased
- C. Solving problems related to moving forward in life
- D. Learning about the stages and symptoms of grieving
- E. Using antipsychotic medications for dysfunctional grief
Correct Answer: A,C,D
Rationale: Psychotherapy focuses on emotional responses, problem-solving for moving forward, and understanding grief stages. Antipsychotic medications are not typically used for grief.
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.
What situation makes the mourning process more difficult for the bereaved?
- A. They were relatively independent of the deceased.
- B. They have experienced many previous losses.
- C. They accept that death is expected for everyone.
- D. They had resolved conflicts with the deceased.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Factors that have negative effects on the mourning process include a high number of past losses or other recent losses.