Nokea
Children of a widowed parent confer with the nurse; their surviving parent repeatedly relates the details of finding the deceased parent not breathing, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, going to the hospital by ambulance, and seeing the pronouncement of death. The family asks, 'What can we do?' How should the nurse best counsel the family?
- A. Encouraging them to share their own feelings with the surviving parent and ask for the retelling to stop
- B. Support the ideas that retelling the story should be limited to once daily to avoid unnecessary stimulation
- C. Share with them that retelling memories is to be expected as part of the aging process
- D. Reassure them that repeating the story is a helpful and a necessary part of grieving
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Nurses are encouraged to tell bereaved patients that telling the personal story of loss as many times as needed is acceptable and healthy.
You may also like to solve these questions
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.
After her husband died of heart failure, a wife approaches the nurse who cared for her husband. In the hospital hallway, the wife shouts angrily, 'He'd still be alive if you'd given him your undivided attention!' Which response should the nurse implement?
- A. I understand you're feeling upset. Let's go to our conference room, and I'll stay with you until your family comes.'
- B. Your husband's heart was severely damaged and could no longer pump. There's nothing anyone could have done.'
- C. I will call the nursing supervisor to discuss this matter with you.'
- D. It will be all right if you cry. Crying is a normal grief response.'
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a bereaved family member behaves in a disturbed manner, the nurse should show patience and tact while offering sympathy and warmth. Moving the individual to a private area so as not to disturb others is important.
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.
A grieving patient tells a nurse, 'It's been 8 months since my spouse died. I thought I would feel better by now, but lately I feel worse. I have no energy. I am lonely, but I don't want to be around people. What should I do?' What is the nurse's best counsel?
- A. Seek psychotherapy.
- B. Become active in a church.
- C. Go to the spouse's grave every day.
- D. Understand this is a normal response.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The patient needs understanding and support that the feelings are normal. Loneliness and aimlessness are most pronounced 6 to 9 months after the death.
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.