The son of an older-person couple ends his life suddenly and violently.The husband proceeds with living as usual.After one year, the wife remains in seclusion and is hospitalized for dehydration.Which step should the nurse implement to help improve the wife's mental health and wellness?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Establishing a trusting and caring relationship with the wife is the best choice in this situation. Hospitalization for dehydration indicates that the wife has not been taking care of herself and may be struggling with her mental health. By establishing a relationship built on trust and care, the nurse can help the wife feel safe enough to open up about her feelings and experiences, and provide her the support and guidance she needs to improve her mental health and well-being. Encouraging additional fluids and social activity may be helpful, but these actions alone may not address the underlying issues contributing to the wife's mental health struggles. Instructing the husband to display empathy for her may also be helpful, but it does not directly address the wife's needs or provide her with the support she requires. Asking social services for a survivors' support group may also be helpful, but it is a secondary intervention and may not provide the immediate support and attention the wife needs.

The Son of an Older-Person Couple Ends His Life Suddenly