A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about ethical principles.
Which of the following is an example of autonomy?

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.

Choice A rationale:

Widened peripheral vision. This choice is not an expected change in an older adult's vision. As individuals age, peripheral vision may diminish, but it doesn't typically widen. Therefore, this choice is not appropriate.

Choice C rationale:

Eyes with large pupils. Older adults often experience changes in the size of their pupils due to the aging process. Pupils may become smaller and less responsive to light, not larger. Thus, this choice is not accurate.

Choice D rationale:

Infections of the eye. While eye infections can occur in any age group, there's no specific reason to monitor an older adult for eye infections unless there are signs or symptoms suggesting an issue. It's not a routine aspect of care for older adults. Now, let's discuss the rationale for the correct answer, choice B:

Choice B rationale:

Increase in accommodation to near vision. This is the correct answer because it is a common age-related change in vision known as presbyopia. As individuals age, their ability to accommodate or focus on near objects diminishes. This change typically begins in the early 40s and progresses over time. It's a result of the lens of the eye becoming less flexible. Older adults may need reading glasses or bifocals to improve their near vision. The nurse should plan to monitor for this change as part of routine care for an older adult.