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 B
Explanation
Provide laxatives and stool softeners to prevent constipation (Option A): While constipation may be a concern for immobile patients, there is no indication in the scenario that the patient is currently experiencing constipation. Therefore, providing laxatives and stool softeners would not be a priority at this time.
Provide him with an air pressure mattress (Option B): This option is appropriate because the patient is immobile and at risk of developing pressure ulcers due to prolonged bed rest. An air pressure mattress helps distribute pressure evenly and reduces the risk of pressure ulcer formation, which is crucial for maintaining skin integrity and preventing complications.
Coax him to eat high-calorie, high-fat food (Option C): Although the patient is experiencing weight loss due to poor nutrition, coaxing him to eat high-calorie, high-fat food may not be appropriate if he is experiencing nausea and anorexia. This approach may exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms and discomfort.
Contact the primary care provider for an order for tube feeding (Option D): While tube feeding may be considered if the patient is unable to meet his nutritional needs orally, it should not be the first intervention. Before considering tube feeding, other options for improving oral intake and addressing nausea and anorexia should be explored. Additionally, tube feeding may not address the patient's immobility and risk of pressure ulcers. Therefore, providing an air pressure mattress is a more appropriate intervention in this scenario.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "Don’t let him get away with this abuse. He doesn’t need to yell at you": This response is dismissive of the patient's emotions and fails to address the underlying issues causing the anger. It may escalate the situation and create conflict rather than fostering understanding and support.
B. "I'm afraid he is having a bad day and feels neglected": While this response acknowledges the patient's feelings, it does not provide a broader context for understanding the patient's behavior. It may also inadvertently minimize the patient's emotions and the impact of his terminal illness.
C. "This may be how he feels best in dealing with this illness. You'll just have to ignore it": This response dismisses the patient's behavior as acceptable without exploring its underlying causes. It does not promote therapeutic communication or help address the patient's needs and concerns.
D. "Anger is a reaction that dying people experience. You may be feeling some anger yourselves": This response acknowledges the patient's emotions as a common reaction to terminal illness, normalizing his experience. It also recognizes the emotions of the nurses and family, encouraging empathy and understanding. By validating the patient's feelings and providing context, the nurse can facilitate a supportive environment and promote effective communication and care.
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