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Bereavement and Grief Support
Bereavement and Grief Support ( 4 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client who has just experienced the loss of a spouse. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to facilitate the grieving process?
The nurse should encourage the client to express their feelings and emotions, as this can help them cope with the loss and work through the stages of grief. Suppressing or denying emotions can prolong or complicate the grieving process.
Advise the client to avoid reminders of their spouse for a while. - This is an incorrect action, as avoiding reminders of the spouse can hinder the acceptance of the loss and delay the resolution of grief. The nurse should help the client to acknowledge and honor the memories of their spouse, not avoid them.
Suggest the client to join a support group as soon as possible. - This is an incorrect action, as joining a support group may not be appropriate or helpful for every client. The nurse should assess the client's readiness and willingness to participate in a support group, and respect their preferences and choices. Some clients may prefer individual counseling or informal support from family and friends.
Tell the client that time will heal their pain and sorrow. - This is an incorrect action, as telling the client that time will heal their pain and sorrow can minimize or invalidate their feelings and experiences. The nurse should acknowledge and empathize with the client's pain and sorrow, and avoid clichés or platitudes that may sound insensitive or dismissive.
Rationale: The nurse should encourage the client to express their feelings and emotions, as this can help them cope with the loss and work through the stages of grief. Suppressing or denying emotions can prolong or complicate the grieving process.
Incorrect options:
B) Advise the client to avoid reminders of their spouse for a while. - This is an incorrect action, as avoiding reminders of the spouse can hinder the acceptance of the loss and delay the resolution of grief. The nurse should help the client to acknowledge and honor the memories of their spouse, not avoid them.
C) Suggest the client to join a support group as soon as possible. - This is an incorrect action, as joining a support group may not be appropriate or helpful for every client. The nurse should assess the client's readiness and willingness to participate in a support group, and respect their preferences and choices. Some clients may prefer individual counseling or informal support from family and friends.
D) Tell the client that time will heal their pain and sorrow. - This is an incorrect action, as telling the client that time will heal their pain and sorrow can minimize or invalidate their feelings and experiences. The nurse should acknowledge and empathize with the client's pain and sorrow, and avoid clichés or platitudes that may sound insensitive or dismissive.