A nurse is caring for a client who has dementia and is experiencing anticipatory grief. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Provide the client with a timeline for grieving.
Encourage the client to express their feelings.
Show sympathy for the client when discussing their condition.
Share personal stories of grief with the client.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Providing a client with a timeline for grieving is not recommended as grief is a highly individual experience and does not follow a set timeline. Each person's journey through grief is unique, and imposing a timeline may invalidate their feelings and hinder the natural process of grieving.
Choice B reason: Encouraging the client to express their feelings is considered a best practice in nursing care for patients with dementia experiencing anticipatory grief. It allows the patient to acknowledge and work through their emotions, which is an important aspect of coping with grief. Open communication can also help the nurse to assess the patient's emotional state and provide appropriate support.
Choice C reason: While showing sympathy can be comforting, it is more beneficial to show empathy. Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of another, which helps in building a stronger connection and providing more personalized care. Sympathy might sometimes be perceived as pity, which can be counterproductive in the therapeutic relationship.
Choice D reason: Sharing personal stories of grief with the client is generally not advised as the focus should remain on the client's experiences. The nurse's role is to facilitate the client's expression of grief, not to shift the focus to their own experiences. Personal stories may also trigger additional stress for the client.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Asking "Why did you feel like giving away your belongings?" could be perceived as confrontational or judgmental. It's important to approach the client with empathy and without implying that their actions were wrong or require justification.
Choice B reason: "Can you tell me how you have been feeling lately?" is an open-ended question that invites the client to share their feelings and experiences. It demonstrates the nurse's interest in understanding the client's emotional state and provides a safe space for the client to express themselves.
Choice C reason: Saying "Everyone feels a little down sometimes." minimizes the client's experience and the severity of major depressive disorder. It fails to acknowledge the unique and serious nature of the client's condition.
Choice D reason: While suggesting "You should find a support group to attend." can be helpful, it may be more appropriate after establishing a rapport and understanding the client's current state. It's also important to offer support in finding resources rather than directing the client.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Notifying law enforcement within 2 hours if the person cannot be found is important, but immediate action is usually recommended in such cases. The sooner the authorities are alerted, the better the chances of locating the individual safely.
Choice B reason: Giving the most recent photo to the police is a proactive step in case the person goes missing. It can help law enforcement quickly disseminate the information and aid in the search. However, this is a reactive measure rather than a preventive one.
Choice C reason: Placing a sliding bolt lock just above the doorknob can prevent the individual from wandering, which is a common and dangerous issue in people with advanced Alzheimer's disease. This measure helps ensure the person's safety by preventing unsupervised exits from the home.
Choice D reason: Ensuring the bedroom is dark while the person is sleeping may not be advisable. Adequate night lighting is important for preventing falls if the person needs to get up during the night. A completely dark room can increase the risk of injury.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.