Psychiatry Test Bank Related

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Which patient would the nurse determine to be at highest risk for dysfunctional grief? The patient:

  • A. Whose 16-year-old daughter was raped and killed while going on an errand for the patient
  • B. Whose 86-year-old mother, with whom she has shared her home, died after a long illness.
  • C. Who attended a support group and had been assisted by hospice to care for her terminally ill husband
  • D. Who attended a bereavement group, where she learned to express feelings after the deaths of her twin daughters
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The patient whose 16-year-old daughter was raped and killed while going on an errand for the patient would be determined to be at highest risk for dysfunctional grief. This traumatic event involves sudden and violent loss of a child, which can lead to complicated or dysfunctional grief reactions. The circumstances of the death, involving violence, unexpectedness, and the close relationship with the deceased, can significantly impact the grieving process. The patient may struggle with intense emotions, guilt, anger, and unresolved trauma, making them more vulnerable to experiencing dysfunctional grief. It is essential for healthcare professionals to provide appropriate support and interventions to help the patient navigate through this complex grieving process.