A nurse is conducting a bereavement follow-up call with a client who lost their partner six months ago. The client reports that they still feel sad and lonely, but they have resumed some of their normal activities, such as going to work, socializing with friends, and volunteering at a local shelter. The client also says that they have started dating someone new, but they feel guilty about it. How should the nurse respond?

Rationale: The nurse should provide opportunities for the family members to share their feelings and concerns, as this can help them cope with anticipatory grief and prepare for the impending loss. The nurse should listen actively and empathically, and validate their emotions.

Incorrect options:

A) Encourage the family members to focus on the positive aspects of the situation. - This is an incorrect intervention, as encouraging the family members to focus on the positive aspects of the situation can deny or minimize their negative emotions and experiences. The nurse should acknowledge and respect both positive and negative aspects of the situation, and avoid imposing unrealistic optimism or expectations on the family members.

B) Educate the family members about the signs and stages of dying. - This is an incorrect intervention, as educating the family members about the signs and stages of dying may not be helpful or appropriate at this time. The nurse should assess the family members' level of knowledge and understanding about the dying process, and provide information only if they request it or consent to it. Some family members may not be ready or willing to learn about this topic, as it may increase their anxiety or distress.

C) Refer the family members to a mental health professional for counseling. - This is an incorrect intervention, as referring the family members to a mental health professional for counseling may not be necessary or beneficial for every family member. The nurse should assess the family members' coping skills and resources, and offer referrals only if they indicate a need or interest in counseling. Some family members may prefer other sources of support, such as spiritual leaders, friends, or community groups.

Rationale: The nurse should suspect that the client is experiencing unresolved grief if they avoid talking about their sibling or the surgery, as this can indicate denial, repression, or isolation of their feelings and thoughts. Unresolved grief can interfere with the client's emotional and physical well-being, and increase their risk of complications from surgery.

Incorrect options:

A) The client expresses anger and resentment towards the health care system. - This is not a finding that supports the suspicion of unresolved grief, as expressing anger and resentment towards the health care system can be a normal and healthy reaction to the loss of a sibling due to a surgical error. Anger is one of the stages of grief, and expressing it can help the client cope with the injustice and pain of the loss.

B) The client keeps a photo of their sibling on their bedside table. - This is not a finding that supports the suspicion of unresolved grief, as keeping a photo of their sibling on their bedside table can be a positive and adaptive way of honoring and remembering their sibling. Maintaining a connection with the deceased loved one can help the client accept and integrate the loss into their life.

C) The client requests a visit from a chaplain before the surgery. - This is not a finding that supports the suspicion of unresolved grief, as requesting a visit from a chaplain before the surgery can be a sign of spiritual coping and seeking comfort and guidance from a higher power. Spirituality can be an important source of support and meaning for the client during times of stress and uncertainty.