A nurse is collecting data from a middle-aged client whose partner died seven months ago.
Which of the following findings indicate that the client is experiencing maladaptive grieving?
The client has lost 10 lb.
The client visits his partner’s grave each month.
The client has been unable to return to work.
The client has difficulty sleeping
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Losing 10 lb after the death of a loved one is not uncommon, especially within the first few months of grieving. It can be due to decreased appetite, changes in eating habits, or increased physical activity. While it's important to monitor weight loss and ensure adequate nutrition, it doesn't necessarily indicate maladaptive grieving on its own.
Grief can often lead to changes in appetite and weight. Some people may experience a loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss, while others may find themselves overeating or gaining weight. These changes are often temporary and subside as the grieving process progresses.
It's important to consider the client's overall health and well-being when assessing weight loss. If the client is experiencing significant weight loss, it's important to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to it.
Choice B rationale:
Visiting a loved one's grave is a common way to grieve and remember them. It can be a way to feel connected to the deceased, express love and sorrow, and find solace. It's a normal part of the grieving process and doesn't necessarily indicate maladaptive grieving.
Grieving individuals often find comfort in visiting the gravesite of their loved one. It can be a place to reflect, remember, and feel close to the deceased. Visiting a gravesite can also be a way to honor the loved one's memory and express continued love and respect.
The frequency of grave visits can vary from person to person. Some individuals may visit frequently, while others may only visit on special occasions or anniversaries. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and what matters most is that the individual finds a way to express their grief in a way that feels right for them.
Choice D rationale:
Difficulty sleeping is a common symptom of grief. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including anxiety, sadness, and changes in sleep patterns. While it can be distressing, it's not always a sign of maladaptive grieving.
Grief can disrupt sleep patterns in a number of ways. It can make it difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or both. It can also lead to nightmares, night sweats, and early morning awakenings. These sleep disturbances can be both physically and emotionally draining.
There are a number of things that can be done to improve sleep during grief. These include establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and getting regular exercise. If sleep problems persist, it's important to seek professional help.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A:
While this response is well-intentioned, it may not be the most therapeutic in this situation. It could be perceived as dismissive of the client's feelings and concerns. Clients with schizophrenia often have difficulty trusting others, and this response could reinforce the client's belief that they are being held against their will.
It's important to acknowledge the client's feelings and concerns, rather than simply stating that the healthcare team is there to help.
Choice B:
This response is the most therapeutic because it uses the technique of reflection. Reflection involves echoing back the client's feelings or thoughts, which can help them feel heard and understood. It can also encourage the client to elaborate on their concerns.
By reflecting the client's statement, the nurse validates their feelings and opens the door for further communication.
Choice C:
This response could be perceived as confrontational or challenging, which could further escalate the client's anxiety. It's generally more helpful to start with a more open-ended question or reflection.
Asking "why" questions can sometimes make people feel defensive or put on the spot.
Choice D:
While relaxation techniques can be helpful for some clients, this response is not appropriate in this situation. It minimizes the client's concerns and does not address their underlying feelings of fear and anxiety.
It's important to validate the client's feelings before suggesting coping strategies.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Answer and explanation
Choice A rationale:
Impaired judgment is a cognitive symptom of schizophrenia, not a positive symptom. It involves difficulties with decisionmaking, problem-solving, and understanding consequences. While it's a significant feature of schizophrenia, it doesn't reflect an excess or distortion of normal functions, which is the hallmark of positive symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
Dysphoria refers to a depressed mood or a state of unhappiness and dissatisfaction. It's a negative symptom of schizophrenia, characterized by a decrease or absence of normal functions. It's not considered a positive symptom as it doesn't involve an excess or distortion of normal processes.
Choice C rationale:
Disorganized speech is a hallmark positive symptom of schizophrenia. It involves significant disruptions in the way a person speaks and communicates. It can manifest in several ways, including: Derailment: Abrupt shifts in topic without logical connection
Tangentiality: Responding to questions in irrelevant or oblique ways
Incoherence: Speech that is fragmented and difficult to understand
Loose associations: Combining words or phrases in a way that lacks logical sense
Neologisms: Creating new words or phrases that have meaning only to the speaker
Word salad: Severely disorganized speech that is essentially incomprehensible
Disorganized speech is considered a positive symptom because it reflects an excess or distortion of normal speech processes. It's a core feature of schizophrenia and often has a significant impact on communication and social functioning.
Choice D rationale:
Anhedonia is the inability to experience pleasure. It's a negative symptom of schizophrenia, characterized by a decrease or absence of normal emotional responses. It's not considered a positive symptom as it doesn't involve an excess or distortion of normal processes.
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