Question 1

The nurse is caring for a client who lost his job and is having a difficult time finding another job.The nurse recognizes that the client is grieving.Which pattern of behavior would be the nurse's priority concern?

Accepted Answer

While all behaviors listed could potentially be concerns, alcohol or drug use would be the priority concern as it could lead to further problems and potential harm to the client. It is important for the nurse to assess and address any substance use issues and refer to appropriate resources as needed.

Question 2

The staff nurse is planning for a client who is grieving the loss of a spouse.Which should the nurse identify as an appropriate independent nursing intervention?

Accepted Answer

Teaching the client about the grieving process is an appropriate independent nursing intervention as it enables the client to understand what to expect during the grieving period and offers a chance for the nurse to provide support and coping strategies. Selecting an appropriate antidepressant, conducting complicated grief therapy, and providing chaplain services would require collaboration with other healthcare professionals and cannot be considered independent nursing interventions.

Question 3

The nurse recognizes that the spouse of a terminally ill client has completed the grieving process,but the ill client is still alive.Because of this,the nurse may need to provide what interventions for the ill client?

Accepted Answer

The nurse may need to provide interventions to prevent isolation and loneliness for the ill client, as the spouse has completed the grieving process and may not be providing as much emotional support as before. The other options may not be as relevant in this situation.

Question 4

The nurse is caring for a family whose 8-year-old son recently died.The remaining family members include the mother,father,and two young children.Which of the following questions would best help the nurse assess this family's level of functioning?

Accepted Answer

This question helps the nurse assess the family's coping and grieving process after losing their 8-year-old son. It allows the family to express their feelings and emotions which can help the nurse identify potential areas where support is needed. The other options do not focus on the family's emotional state or provide insight into their coping mechanisms.

Question 5

The nurse is caring for a grieving family who is from another culture and has different religious beliefs.The nurse is not familiar with the family's culture or religion.What should the nurse do to provide emotional support for this family?

Accepted Answer

It is important for the nurse to understand and respect the cultural and religious beliefs of the family. By asking the family how the nurse can meet their cultural needs, the nurse is showing a willingness to learn and understand, which can provide emotional support for the family. Encouraging the family to go eat a meal and come back later or referring them to a group counseling session may not address the family's cultural needs and may not provide the emotional support they need at this time. Asking the physician to assess the family for ineffective coping may not be appropriate without first attempting to provide support and understanding for the family's cultural and religious beliefs.

Question 6

A nurse is planning care for a couple who has experienced a miscarriage.Which aspect of the grief response is essential for the nurse to anticipate?

Accepted Answer

Postpartum depression is a common complication after perinatal loss and the nurse should anticipate this in the care plan. Option A is incorrect because fathers may experience grief differently and the nurse needs to assess their individual responses. Option C is incorrect because the level of grief may vary depending on individual experiences and circumstances. Option D is incorrect because perinatal loss refers to the actual loss of a pregnancy or infant, not just the emotional changes that occur after the loss.

Question 7

A client experienced the loss of a spouse due to chronic illness,the loss of a grandchild due to stillbirth,and the loss of a long-time family pet,all within a 6-week period.This individual is experiencing what type of loss?

Accepted Answer

A)Cumulative loss is defined as several losses within a short period, one after another. The individual who experiences cumulative loss may not recover from the initial loss before the next loss occurs. Each loss has the potential to compound the grief of previous loss to the point where the individual becomes paralyzed with grief. This type of loss is not called caregiver loss, compound loss, or complicated loss.
B)Cumulative loss is defined as several losses within a short period, one after another. The individual who experiences cumulative loss may not recover from the initial loss before the next loss occurs. Each loss has the potential to compound the grief of previous loss to the point where the individual becomes paralyzed with grief. This type of loss is not called caregiver loss, compound loss, or complicated loss.
C)Cumulative loss is defined as several losses within a short period, one after another. The individual who experiences cumulative loss may not recover from the initial loss before the next loss occurs. Each loss has the potential to compound the grief of previous loss to the point where the individual becomes paralyzed with grief. This type of loss is not called caregiver loss, compound loss, or complicated loss.
D)Cumulative loss is defined as several losses within a short period, one after another. The individual who experiences cumulative loss may not recover from the initial loss before the next loss occurs. Each loss has the potential to compound the grief of previous loss to the point where the individual becomes paralyzed with grief. This type of loss is not called caregiver loss, compound loss, or complicated loss.

Question 8

The nurse is caring for a client who found a loved one who committed suicide.In addition to the normal grief process,the nurse recognizes the client may be at risk for what other complication?

Accepted Answer

Finding a loved one who has committed suicide can be a traumatic event for the survivor, and they may develop symptoms of PTSD including intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors. While SAD, OCD, and MDD may also be possible complications, they are not as directly related to the trauma of suicide as PTSD.

Question 9

A nurse working in labor and delivery is planning care for a client who is arriving to the unit with a suspected perinatal loss.Which nursing intervention is most appropriate in this situation?

Accepted Answer

A)When planning care for a client with a suspected perinatal loss, the nurse should place the client in the room farthest from the other clients to provide for privacy. The other options are inappropriate and are not sensitive to the client's emotions.
B)When planning care for a client with a suspected perinatal loss, the nurse should place the client in the room farthest from the other clients to provide for privacy. The other options are inappropriate and are not sensitive to the client's emotions.
C)When planning care for a client with a suspected perinatal loss, the nurse should place the client in the room farthest from the other clients to provide for privacy. The other options are inappropriate and are not sensitive to the client's emotions.
D)When planning care for a client with a suspected perinatal loss, the nurse should place the client in the room farthest from the other clients to provide for privacy. The other options are inappropriate and are not sensitive to the client's emotions.

Quiz 27: Grief and Loss