Nokea
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.
You may also like to solve these questions
An adult who was widowed 18 months ago says, 'I can now remember good times we shared without getting upset. Sometimes I even think about the disappointments. I've become accustomed to sleeping in our bed alone.' How is the work of mourning best characterized?
- A. It is beginning.
- B. It is progressing abnormally.
- C. It is at or near completion.
- D. It has not yet begun.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The work of mourning has been successfully completed when the bereaved can remember both the positive and negative memories about the deceased and when the task of restructuring the relationship with the deceased is completed.
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.
A patient's fianc?© died in an automobile accident several days ago. The patient reports crying and experiencing feelings of guilt and anger. This behavior is characteristic of which aspect of grief?
- A. Denial
- B. Reorganization
- C. Development of awareness
- D. Preoccupation with the loss
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: As denial fades, an awareness of the finality of the loss develops and is accompanied by painful feelings of loss, anger with others, and guilt for taking or not taking specific actions.
Which actions by a nurse contribute to protecting the rights of patients who are terminally ill? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Maintain hope for a positive prognosis.
- B. Hug the patient when sadness is expressed.
- C. Offer choices that promote personal control.
- D. Provide interventions that convey respect.
- E. Support the patient's quest for spiritual growth.
Correct Answer: C,D,E
Rationale: The answers support the rights of the individual who is dying. Offering choices, providing respectful interventions, and supporting spiritual growth respect the patient's autonomy and dignity.
A widow grieving her husband's sudden and unexpected death tells the nurse, 'I'm not feeling well. Yesterday, I saw my husband walk through the door, stop, and smile at me. Then he just faded away.' Which is the nurse's most appropriate action?
- A. Assess for recent substance abuse.
- B. Suggest a referral to the mental health clinic.
- C. Arrange for an evaluation for antidepressant medication.
- D. Counsel the widow that visualizations are a normal part of grieving.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Grieving patients often dream about, visualize, think about, or search for the lost loved one. This is considered a normal phenomenon.