Age Specific Nursing Care Related

Review Age Specific Nursing Care related questions and content

In a sad voice, an elderly patient tells the nurse of the recent deaths of a spouse and close friend. The patient has no other family and only a few acquaintances in the community. The nurses priority is to determine whether which nursing diagnosis applies to this patient?

  • A. Risk for suicide related to recent deaths of significant others
  • B. Anxiety related to sudden and abrupt lifestyle changes
  • C. Social isolation related to loss of existing family
  • D. Spiritual distress related to anger with God
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The patient appears to be experiencing normal grief related to the loss of her family, but because of age and social isolation, the risk for suicide should be determined and has high priority. No defining characteristics exist for the diagnoses of anxiety or spiritual distress. The patients social isolation is important, but the risk for suicide has higher priority.