A nurse is called into the supervisor’s office regarding deteriorating work performance since the loss of a spouse 2 years ago. The nurse begins sobbing and says, “I’m falling apart at home as well.” Which type of grief is the nurse experiencing?
Normal grief
Complicated grief
Prolonged grief
Disenfranchised grief
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Normal grief involves sadness and adjustment after loss, typically resolving within months. The nurse’s ongoing distress, sobbing, and poor performance 2 years post-loss suggest persistent, impairing grief, beyond normal expectations. This intensity and duration align with complicated grief, making normal grief incorrect.
Choice B reason: Complicated grief involves intense, prolonged symptoms that impair functioning, like the nurse’s deteriorating work and home life 2 years after spousal loss. Sobbing and feeling “falling apart” indicate unresolved grief, disrupting daily life, making this the correct type, as it reflects significant, ongoing emotional distress.
Choice C reason: Prolonged grief is a specific diagnosis with criteria like yearning or preoccupation persisting beyond 6-12 months. While similar, complicated grief is a broader term encompassing the nurse’s functional impairment and emotional collapse, making it more appropriate for the described severity and impact on work and home.
Choice D reason: Disenfranchised grief occurs when loss is not socially acknowledged, like a pet’s death. Spousal loss is recognized, and the nurse’s distress is overt, not hidden. The symptoms align with complicated grief’s intensity and duration, not disenfranchised grief, making this incorrect.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Scolding the surgeon is unprofessional and escalates the situation unnecessarily. It fails to respect the colleague’s role while disregarding therapeutic communication. A firm, respectful explanation upholds the patient’s wishes without confrontation, making this an inappropriate response that could harm professional relationships.
Choice B reason: Firmly explaining that the patient does not wish to have visitors respects the patient’s autonomy and the agreed-upon “Do not disturb” sign. This response is professional, assertive, and protects the patient’s need for rest, reducing agitation while maintaining collegiality, making it the most appropriate action.
Choice C reason: Allowing the surgeon to enter disregards the patient’s expressed need for privacy and the “Do not disturb” sign. This undermines trust and exacerbates the patient’s agitation, contradicting the nurse’s role as an advocate. This action fails to prioritize the patient’s well-being, making it incorrect.
Choice D reason: Calling security is an extreme measure, inappropriate for a non-threatening situation. It escalates a manageable interaction and risks damaging professional relationships. A firm explanation is sufficient to enforce the patient’s wishes, making this an overreactive and unnecessary response to the situation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Agnosticism is the belief that the existence of ultimate reality or God is unknown or unknowable. The nurse should consider this when planning care, respecting the patient’s uncertainty about spiritual matters and avoiding assumptions about religious practices, ensuring care aligns with their belief system.
Choice B reason: Assuming the patient is devoid of spirituality is incorrect, as agnosticism does not preclude spiritual beliefs or practices. Agnostics may find meaning in non-religious spirituality. This assumption risks alienating the patient, making it an inappropriate consideration for care planning.
Choice C reason: Agnosticism does not imply finding no meaning in relationships. Patients may value human connections despite uncertainty about ultimate reality. This assumption misrepresents the patient’s beliefs and could lead to insensitive care, making it incorrect for planning based on their agnosticism.
Choice D reason: Agnostics are uncertain about God’s existence, not certain of its absence, which aligns with atheism. This misinterpretation of agnosticism could lead to inappropriate care assumptions, dismissing potential spiritual needs. The nurse should focus on the patient’s uncertainty, making this incorrect.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.