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Which finding indicates the successful completion of an individual's grieving process?
- A. For 2 years, a person has kept the deceased spouse's belongings in their usual places.
- B. After 15 months, a widowed person realistically remembers both the pleasures and disappointments of the relationship with the spouse.
- C. 3 years after the death, a person talks about the spouse as if the spouse was still alive and weeps when others mention the spouse's name.
- D. 18 months after the spouse's death, a person says, 'I never cry or have feelings of loss even though we were always very close.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The work of grieving is over when the bereaved can remember the individual realistically and acknowledge both the pleasure and disappointments associated with the loved one.
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A recently widowed patient tells the health care provider, 'I have so much epigastric discomfort. I wonder if I have an ulcer.' Diagnostic tests are negative. What does the symptom likely demonstrate?
- A. Early reorganization behavior
- B. Disorganization and depression
- C. Preoccupation with the deceased
- D. Normal phenomenon of mourning
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Sensations of somatic distress are often experienced during the acute stage of grieving.
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 patient newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer says, 'My father also died of pancreatic cancer. I took care of him during his illness. I can't go through that.' Select the highest priority nursing diagnosis.
- A. Anticipatory grieving
- B. Ineffective coping
- C. Ineffective denial
- D. Risk for suicide
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The patient's statement has a subtle message of suicide. Suicide is a risk for people with major losses, including terminal disease.
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.
Shortly after a man's wife dies, the man approaches the nurse who cared for his wife during her final hours of life and says angrily, 'If you had given your undivided attention, she would still be alive.' Which analysis applies?
- A. The husband will pursue legal action regarding the nurse's negligence.
- B. Anger is a phenomenon experienced during grieving.
- C. The husband had ambivalent feelings about his wife.
- D. In some cultures, grief is expressed exclusively by anger.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Anger may protect the bereaved from facing the devastating reality of the loss. Anger expressed during mourning is not directed toward the nurse personally.