A neighbor who was widowed 2 months ago gives the nurse his wife Helen's gardening books "because the two of you loved flowers." He tries to hold back tears, but begins to cry. To decrease his discomfort, the nurse should say:
"Things will get easier with time. Time has a way of healing even the most painful losses."
"Helen is in a better place; you should be glad she isn't suffering anymore."
"We certainly did, and I'm going to miss her help—she was a real expert."
"Helen wouldn't want to see you crying—she would rather you smile and remember the good times," and give him a hug. "
The Correct Answer is C
A. This statement may minimize the neighbor's grief by suggesting that time will automatically make things easier. While time can help with the grieving process, it is important to acknowledge and validate the neighbor's current feelings.
B. This statement may unintentionally invalidate the neighbor's grief by implying that he should be happy because his wife is no longer suffering. It disregards the neighbor's current emotional state and may not provide comfort.
C. This statement acknowledges the neighbor's gesture and his shared love of gardening with his wife, Helen. It validates his grief and provides an opportunity for the nurse to express her own appreciation for Helen's expertise, which may help the neighbor feel understood and supported.
D. This statement may pressure the neighbor to suppress his emotions and put on a façade of happiness, which could be detrimental to his grieving process. Additionally, suggesting what Helen would want may not be helpful in this situation, as grief is a personal and individual experience.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Is no longer grieving the death of his wife: This option makes an assumption about the patient's grief based solely on the choice of words used to describe his wife's passing. The patient's use of a euphemism does not provide enough information to determine the extent of his grieving process.
B. Has a strong religious belief system: While the patient's statement may suggest a belief in an afterlife or reward, it doesn't necessarily indicate the strength of his religious beliefs. Using euphemisms for death is common across various belief systems and cultural backgrounds.
C. Is uncomfortable with the term "death" and is using a euphemism: This is the correct response. The patient's choice of words, "went on to her reward," indicates a discomfort with directly stating "death." Euphemisms like this are often used as a coping mechanism to soften the reality of death or to adhere to cultural or personal preferences.
D. Has dysfunctional grieving and is unable to address his wife's death: There is no evidence in the scenario to suggest dysfunctional grieving. The patient's use of a euphemism does not necessarily indicate an inability to address his wife's death. It may simply reflect individual preferences or cultural norms regarding discussing death.
Correct Answer is E
Explanation
A. Depression: Depression is characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair. The statement "She's not that sick!" does not directly reflect depressive symptoms.
B. Acceptance: Acceptance is the final stage in Kübler-Ross's stages of dying, characterized by coming to terms with one's impending death or loss. The statement does not indicate acceptance of the situation.
C. Bargaining: Bargaining involves attempts to negotiate or make deals to change the outcome of a situation, often in exchange for a better outcome. The statement does not suggest bargaining behavior.
D. Anger: Anger involves feelings of frustration, resentment, or hostility towards the situation or others. While the statement could potentially lead to anger in others, it does not directly express anger itself. E. Denial: Denial is the initial stage where individuals refuse to accept the reality of their situation or the severity of their illness. The statement "She's not that sick!" directly reflects denial, as it indicates a refusal to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation.
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