A nurse cared for a terminally ill client for over a month and developed a therapeutic nurse-client relationship. After the client's death, feelings of sadness. sleeping poorly, and feeling mildly depressed were experienced by the nurse. Which is the best action to improve the resolution of grief?
The nurse needs to consider taking a leave of absence to pursue healing.
The nurse needs to seek therapy for dysfunctional grief.
The nurse needs to use stress reduction strategies.
The nurse should seek an informal forum for discussing death
The Correct Answer is B
The nurse's feelings of sadness, poor sleep, and mild depression after the death of the terminally ill client indicate that the nurse is experiencing grief, which is a normal reaction to loss. However, if the nurse is finding it difficult to cope with the grief or if the grief is significantly impacting the nurse's daily life and well-being, seeking therapy is the best action.
Option B suggests seeking therapy for dysfunctional grief, which can provide the nurse with professional support and coping strategies to navigate through the grieving process. Therapeutic interventions can help the nurse process the emotions associated with the loss and provide a safe space to express and explore feelings of grief and loss.
Options A, C, and D may be helpful in certain situations, but they may not directly address the nurse's unresolved grief:
A. Taking a leave of absence to pursue healing can be considered if the nurse's grief is severely impacting their ability to function and provide safe patient care. However, it may not be necessary for everyone, and seeking therapy would be a more specific and targeted approach to address the grief.
C. Using stress reduction strategies can be beneficial for managing stress and promoting overall well-being, but it may not directly address the specific grief experienced by the nurse after the client's death.
D. Seeking an informal forum for discussing death can be helpful in processing feelings and emotions related to death and loss. However, it may not provide the level of support and guidance that therapy can offer in resolving grief.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
Complicated grieving, also known as complicated grief or prolonged grief disorder, refers to a type of grief that is prolonged, intense and does not follow the typical trajectory of mourning. It can manifest differently in different individuals, but some common signs of complicated grieving include:
B. An adult who insisted for many years that the adult hated the adult's deceased parent: This could indicate unresolved emotional conflicts with the deceased parent, which may be contributing to complicated grief.
C. The parent of a child who died after having left the child in a car on a hot day: This situation involves feelings of guilt and responsibility, which can complicate the grieving process.
D. The grandchild of a soldier killed in war who visits the grave once a year on Memorial Day: This response is likely a normal grief response, as the person visits the grave once a year during Memorial Day, which is a common time for remembering and honoring deceased loved ones.
The following options are not necessarily indicative of complicated grieving:
A. A driver whose spouse and children all died as a result of his driving drunk: While this is undoubtedly a traumatic event, the description provided does not necessarily indicate complicated grieving specifically.
E. The spouse of a person who died 7 years ago and visits the grave several times a day: Visiting the grave several times a day might indicate a deep sense of loss, but it is not specific to complicated grieving and can vary depending on cultural practices and individual coping mechanisms.
It's essential to recognize that grief is a complex and individual process, and professional assessment and support are often required to identify and address complicated grieving in a person.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Explanation: When dealing with a client who has been physically aggressive and is in distress, the best approach for the nurse is to use brief statements and questions to obtain essential information. This approach helps to keep the communication clear, focused, and non-threatening. The nurse should maintain a calm and assertive demeanor while avoiding lengthy discussions that may escalate the client's agitation.
Options not appropriate in this situation:
B. Providing close contact to increase the client's sense of safety may not be safe for the nurse or the client, especially when dealing with someone who has been physically aggressive. It is essential to maintain a safe distance and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
C. Having a sense of humor to show a lack of fear can be misinterpreted by the client and may not be appropriate or therapeutic in this context. The focus should be on establishing a professional and respectful rapport with the client, prioritizing their needs and safety.
Option D may not be the best approach because open-ended questions could lead to lengthy responses, which may not be suitable for a client who is in distress and potentially aggressive. The nurse should aim for concise and clear communication to ensure safety and facilitate a psychiatric assessment efficiently.
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