A nurse is assessing an adolescent client whose parent has recently died.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

The correct answer is d. "Seeing spots is a manifestation of diabetic retinopathy."

Choice A rationale:

• Clouding of the lens is not a manifestation of diabetic retinopathy.It is a characteristic of cataracts,a condition that involves a different eye structure and has a different etiology.
• Diabetic retinopathy specifically affects the retina,which is the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye.It does not directly involve the lens.
• It's crucial to clarify this distinction for the client to ensure accurate understanding of their condition and potential symptoms.

Choice B rationale:

• Increased intraocular pressure is not the cause of diabetic retinopathy.It is the primary feature of glaucoma,another eye condition with distinct causes and consequences.
• Diabetic retinopathy is primarily driven by damage to the blood vessels in the retina due to prolonged high blood sugar levels.
• Explaining this difference to the client can help prevent confusion and promote appropriate preventive measures.

Choice C rationale:

• While regular eye exams are essential for early detection and management of diabetic retinopathy,the recommended frequency is more often than every 2 years.
• The American Diabetes Association recommends that individuals with diabetes have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least annually.
• More frequent exams may be necessary depending on the individual's risk factors and the severity of their diabetes.

Choice D rationale:

• Seeing spots is a common and significant symptom of diabetic retinopathy.It occurs when blood vessels in the retina leak fluid or bleed,causing disruptions in vision.
• Other potential symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include:
  • Blurred vision
  • Floaters (dark specks or strings that move across the visual field)
  • Difficulty seeing at night or in low light
  • Loss of central vision
  • Distortion of colors
  • Blind spots

Choice A rationale:

Prolonged grief is characterized by an extended period of mourning and difficulty in accepting the loss. This type of grief is often associated with intense emotional pain and can last for an extended period, beyond what is considered a normal grieving process. In this scenario, the client's inability to accept the loss of their partner after 3 years is indicative of prolonged grief.

Choice B rationale:

Uncomplicated grief refers to a normal grieving process that follows a loss. It typically involves feelings of sadness, anger, and sorrow, but the individual can eventually accept the loss and continue with their life. The client in the scenario is experiencing prolonged and complicated grief, which does not fit the definition of uncomplicated grief.

Choice C rationale:

Anticipatory grief occurs when individuals start grieving before the actual loss takes place, often seen in situations where a loved one has a terminal illness, and the family begins to mourn the eventual loss. The client in the scenario is not experiencing anticipatory grief, as the loss has already occurred.

Choice D rationale:

Disenfranchised grief refers to grief that is not openly acknowledged or socially supported. It occurs when an individual's loss is not recognized or validated by others, such as in the case of the loss of a same-sex partner, a pet, or a non-traditional relationship. In this scenario, the client's grief is not disenfranchised; it is prolonged and complicated.