Your client reports that she is experiencing depression and panic attacks since her husband passed away almost a year ago. She says she looks at her wedding pictures every day. You suspect that your client may be experiencing:
Mourning.
Anticipatory grief.
Uncomplicated grief.
Complicated grief.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Mourning refers to the outward expression of grief, such as rituals, crying, or memorializing. While the client may be mourning, the persistence of intense symptoms beyond the expected timeframe suggests a more complex condition.
Choice B reason: Anticipatory grief occurs before the loss. Since the client’s husband has already passed away, this term does not apply.
Choice C reason: Uncomplicated grief follows a typical trajectory of emotional adjustment over time. It may include sadness and longing but gradually resolves. Persistent depression and panic attacks a year after the loss indicate a deviation from this pattern.
Choice D reason: Complicated grief involves prolonged, intense, and disabling symptoms that interfere with functioning. The client’s ongoing depression, panic attacks, and fixation on wedding pictures suggest unresolved grief that may require clinical intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Referring the client to a rape crisis hotline is an important part of the long-term support plan, but it is not the initial nursing action. At the moment of presentation, the client is likely in acute psychological distress and may not be ready to process external resources. Immediate emotional stabilization and safety are prioritized before referrals.
Choice B reason: Encouraging the client to file charges immediately may be perceived as coercive and can further traumatize the individual. Legal decisions should be client-led and made when the person feels emotionally safe and supported. Pushing for legal action prematurely can compromise therapeutic rapport and the client's sense of control.
Choice C reason: Performing a nursing history and physical is necessary, especially for forensic and medical documentation. However, it should only be done after establishing trust and emotional safety. Jumping into assessments without first addressing the client’s emotional state can be retraumatizing and may hinder cooperation.
Choice D reason: Providing emotional support is the most appropriate initial nursing action. It helps stabilize the client, validates their experience, and builds trust. Emotional support includes active listening, nonjudgmental presence, and reassurance of safety. This foundation allows for subsequent steps like medical evaluation and legal options to be introduced in a trauma-informed manner.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Negative thinking involves persistent pessimistic or self-critical thoughts. The client’s statements reflect a global negative self-assessment and cognitive distortion, which are hallmarks of negative thinking patterns often seen in depression.
Choice B reason: Poor problem-solving refers to difficulty generating solutions or making decisions. While the client may struggle with this, the statements are more reflective of self-judgment than cognitive strategy.
Choice C reason: Emotional issues may be present, but this term is too vague and nonspecific. The statements are better categorized under cognitive distortions than general emotional disturbance.
Choice D reason: Relationship difficulties involve interpersonal conflict or dysfunction. The client’s statements focus on self-perception, not interactions with others.
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