The nurse is caring for client who is experiencing extreme sadness after the passing of a companion of 30 years. The client describes not being able to think of other things and finds it difficult to control emotions. Which action should the nurse take first?
Offer a referral to pastoral counseling.
Suggest the need for a psychiatric consultation.
Explore changes in life that have occurred after the loss.
Encourage attending a local support group.
The Correct Answer is C
A) Offering a referral to pastoral counseling can be helpful, but it may not address the immediate emotional needs of the client who is experiencing extreme sadness and difficulty controlling emotions. This option can be considered later in the therapeutic process.
B) Suggesting the need for a psychiatric consultation might be appropriate, but it could be premature at this point. The focus should first be on understanding the client’s current emotional state and helping them process their grief.
C) Exploring changes in life that have occurred after the loss is the first and most important action. This approach allows the nurse to facilitate the client’s expression of feelings, which is crucial in the grieving process. By discussing the impact of the loss, the nurse can provide emotional support and help the client begin to process their grief.
D) Encouraging attendance at a local support group can be beneficial, but it may not be the most immediate action. The client needs to be heard and understood in their current emotional state before considering additional resources or support systems.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Regression involves reverting to earlier developmental behaviors in response to stress. While the client’s current behaviors may reflect regression, her inability to remember specific events points more directly to another mechanism.
B) Denial is the refusal to accept reality or facts. The client acknowledges that her mother ran her father off, so she is not completely denying her past; instead, she seems to lack memory about certain aspects, which suggests a different mechanism.
C) Projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable feelings or thoughts to someone else. The client is not projecting her feelings onto others; she is reflecting on her own experiences, so this is not the most accurate descriptor.
D) Repression is the unconscious blocking of unacceptable thoughts or memories. The client’s statement about not remembering possible abuse suggests that she may have repressed those memories as a way to cope with the emotional pain associated with her past. This aligns well with the client’s history of chronic depression and suicidal behavior.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) While understanding the reason for the suicide attempt can provide important context, it is not as critical in the immediate management of a suspected overdose as knowing the specifics of what was ingested.
B) Identifying the drug that was ingested is the most important information for the nurse to obtain. Knowing the specific substance allows for appropriate and timely treatment, including the administration of antidotes if applicable and understanding potential complications.
C) The time since drug ingestion is also relevant, as it can influence treatment decisions and urgency. However, without knowing the specific drug, it may be challenging to determine the best course of action.
D) A past history of depression is important for the overall understanding of the client's mental health, but it does not have immediate implications for managing an overdose. The priority is to address the acute medical situation first.
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