NCLEX PN Exam Cram Related

Review NCLEX PN Exam Cram related questions and content

When encountering the significant other of a patient with end-stage AIDS crying during her smoke break, what is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?

  • A. Allow her to grieve by herself.
  • B. Tell her to go ahead and cry, after all, your husband’s pretty bad off.
  • C. Tell her you realize how upset she is, but you don’t want to talk about it now.
  • D. Approach her, offering tissues, and encourage her to verbalize her feelings
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Approaching the significant other, offering tissues, and encouraging her to verbalize her feelings is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take. Being left alone during the grief process isolates individuals, and they need an outlet for their feelings. By showing empathy and providing support, the nurse can help the significant other cope with her emotions. Choices A, B, and C are inappropriate because they do not offer support or encourage the expression of feelings, which are crucial in such situations.