A client who recently lost their spouse to a terminal illness expresses, "I just can't go on without them. Life feels meaningless now." Which statement by the nurse would be appropriate in this situation?
"You shouldn't feel that way. There are many people who care about you.".
"I understand how you feel. Grief can be overwhelming.".
"You need to stay strong for your children.".
"Try not to think about it too much. Time heals all wounds.".
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Telling the client that they shouldn't feel a certain way and suggesting that others care about them minimizes their emotions and can be invalidating. It's essential to acknowledge the client's feelings without dismissing them.
Choice B rationale:
Expressing understanding and acknowledging the overwhelming nature of grief is appropriate and empathetic. This response validates the client's emotions and creates a safe space for them to express their feelings.
Choice C rationale:
While the intention behind encouraging the client to stay strong for their children might be positive, it oversimplifies the complexity of grief and emotional responses. Grief is a personal experience, and implying that they should suppress their emotions for the sake of others is not ideal.
Choice D rationale:
Suggesting that the client avoid thinking about their loss or that time will heal their wounds can invalidate their current emotional state. Grief doesn't always follow a linear path, and minimizing the impact of the loss can hinder the client's healing process.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D"]
Explanation
Choice B:
Encouraging active patient involvement.
Choice D:
Reflecting the patient's feelings and thoughts.
Choice A rationale:
Closed-ended questions often limit conversation and do not encourage deeper exploration of feelings or thoughts. In a therapeutic relationship with a patient at risk for suicide, the focus should be on open communication and building trust, which is not achieved through the use of closed-ended questions. Therefore, this choice is not suitable for building rapport and trust.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging active patient involvement is crucial for establishing a therapeutic relationship. It empowers the patient to share their thoughts, concerns, and feelings openly. This choice promotes a sense of collaboration and trust between the nurse and the patient, creating a safe space for discussing sensitive topics like suicidal thoughts.
Choice C rationale:
Imposing personal opinions can create a power imbalance and hinder the therapeutic relationship. Patients should feel that their thoughts and feelings are respected and valued. Imposing personal opinions could alienate the patient and undermine the trust-building process.
Choice D rationale:
Reflecting the patient's feelings and thoughts involves active listening and showing empathy. This technique validates the patient's emotions and experiences, fostering a sense of understanding and trust. Reflecting feelings and thoughts demonstrates that the nurse is genuinely engaged and interested in the patient's perspective.
Choice E rationale:
Disregarding the patient's preferences goes against the principles of patient-centered care and building a therapeutic relationship. The patient's preferences and needs should be acknowledged and respected to establish trust and rapport. Disregarding preferences can lead to feelings of invalidation and hinder the development of a meaningful connection.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
A.Administering prescribed antidepressant medication,
B. Assisting the client in creating a hope box,
C. Teaching relaxation techniques to the client, and E. Providing education about the importance of follow-up care.
Choice A rationale:
Administering prescribed antidepressant medication is an important intervention for a client with suicidal ideation who may be experiencing underlying depression. Antidepressants can help alleviate depressive symptoms, which can contribute to an improved mental state and decreased risk of self-harm.
Choice B rationale:
Assisting the client in creating a hope box is a valuable intervention. A hope box is a collection of items that hold personal significance and provide comfort to the client during times of distress. This intervention encourages the client to focus on positive aspects of their life, fostering hope and resilience.
Choice C rationale:
Teaching relaxation techniques to the client equips them with coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety. These techniques can help the client regulate their emotions and reduce feelings of distress, which are essential for preventing suicidal ideation.
Choice D rationale:
Encouraging social isolation is not appropriate for a client with suicidal ideation. Isolation can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and hopelessness, increasing the risk of self-harm. Instead, promoting social connections and a supportive network can contribute to the client's well-being.
Choice E rationale:
Providing education about the importance of follow-up care is crucial for a client's ongoing well-being. Follow-up care ensures that the client continues to receive necessary support and interventions, reducing the risk of relapse and maintaining their progress toward recovery.
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