A nurse is planning care for a client who has complicated grieving following the death of their child. Which of the following interventions should the nurse identify as the priority?
Identify the client's current stage of grief.
Encourage the client to participate in physical activities.
Discuss the use of a spiritual grief counselor with the client.
Inform the client that feelings of anger are expected.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Identifying the client's current stage of grief is crucial as it helps tailor the intervention to the client's specific needs. Understanding where the client is in the grieving process allows the nurse to provide appropriate emotional support and resources. It's the foundational step in managing complicated grief, as interventions may vary greatly depending on whether the client is in denial, anger, bargaining, depression, or acceptance.
Choice B reason: While physical activity can be beneficial for overall health and may help in managing symptoms of depression associated with grief, it is not the immediate priority. The nurse must first understand the client's emotional state before suggesting specific activities.
Choice C reason: Discussing the use of a spiritual grief counselor can be a valuable part of the healing process for some clients. However, this should come after assessing the client's beliefs and willingness to engage in spiritual counseling. It is not the first step in the care plan.
Choice D reason: Informing the client that feelings of anger are expected is part of educating the client about the grieving process. While it's important to normalize the range of emotions experienced during grief, it is more of a supportive intervention rather than a priority action.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Initiating hospice care services is generally considered when the client is in the final stages of Alzheimer's disease and has a life expectancy of 6 months or less. Hospice care focuses on comfort and quality of life, rather than curative treatments. It's an option when the disease has significantly progressed, not typically at the time of initial diagnosis.
Choice B reason: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain and is being studied as a potential treatment for improving cognitive status in Alzheimer's patients. However, it is not yet a standard treatment and is considered experimental.
Choice C reason: Barbiturate medications are not typically used to control anxiety in Alzheimer's patients due to the risk of dependency and the potential to worsen cognitive impairment. Other medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are generally preferred for managing anxiety in these patients⁷.
Choice D reason: NMDA receptor antagonists, such as memantine, are medications that can help delay cognitive symptoms in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. They work by regulating the activity of glutamate, a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory, which may be overactive in Alzheimer's disease.
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.
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