Deck 27: The Bereaved Individual

Question 1

Order the stages of normal grief, according to J. William Worden. (Enter the number of each step in the proper sequence, using comma and space format, such as: 1, 2, 3,4.)

A) Finding an enduring connection with the lost entity in the midst of embarking on a new life
B) Accepting the reality of the loss
C) Adjusting to a world without the lost entity
D) Processing the pain of grief

Answer 1

Finding an enduring connection with the lost entity in the midst of embarking on a new life
Accepting the reality of the loss
Adjusting to a world without the lost entity
Processing the pain of grief

Question 2

A nurse assigns a client the nursing diagnosis of complicated grieving. According to Bowlby, which long-term outcome would be most appropriate for this nursing diagnosis?

A) The client will accomplish the recovery stage of grief by year one.
B) The client will accomplish the acceptance stage of grief by year one.
C) The client will accomplish the reorganization stage of grief by year one.
D) The client will accomplish the emotional relocation stage of grief by year one.

Answer 2

The client will accomplish the reorganization stage of grief by year one.

Question 3

Which of following members of a bereavement group would the nurse identify as being at high risk for complicated grieving? (Select all that apply.)

A) A widower who has recently experienced the death of two good friends
B) A man whose wife died suddenly after a cerebrovascular accident
C) A widow who removed life support after her husband was in a vegetative state for a year
D) A woman who had a competitive relationship with her recently deceased brother
E) A young couple whose child recently died of a genetic disorder

Answer 3

A widower who has recently experienced the death of two good friends
A man whose wife died suddenly after a cerebrovascular accident
A woman who had a competitive relationship with her recently deceased brother
A young couple whose child recently died of a genetic disorder

Question 4

Which is the most accurate description of the nursing diagnosis of dysfunctional grieving?

A) Inability to form a valid appraisal of a loss and to use available resources
B) The experience of distress, with accompanying sadness, which fails to follow norms
C) A perceived lack of control over a current loss situation
D) Aloneness perceived as imposed by others and as a negative or threatening state

Question 5

____________________ grieving is the experiencing of the feelings and emotions associated with the normal grief response before the loss actually occurs.

Question 6

Which of the following types of care would be provided by the interdisciplinary team of hospice? (Select all that apply.)

A) Physical care available on a 24/7 basis
B) Counseling on the addictive properties of pain-management medications
C) Discussions related to death and dying
D) Explorations of new aggressive treatments
E) Assistance with obtaining spiritual support and guidance

Question 7

A nurse assesses a female client whose partner died 13 months ago. The client isolates herself, screams at her deceased partner, and is increasingly restless. According to Bowlby, this client is in which stage of the grieving process?

A) Stage I: Numbness or protest
B) Stage II: Disequilibrium
C) Stage III: Disorganization and despair
D) Stage IV: Reorganization

Question 8

A teenager's parent has recently died. Which grieving behavior should a school nurse expect when assessing this client?

A) Denial of personal mortality
B) Preoccupation with the loss
C) Clinging behaviors and personal insecurity
D) Acting-out behaviors, exhibited in aggression and defiance

Question 9

Order the stages of normal grief, according to John Bowlby. (Enter the number of each step in the proper sequence, using comma and space format, such as: 1, 2, 3,4.)

A) Reorganization
B) Disequilibrium
C) Disorganization and despair
D) Numbness/protest

Question 10

A nurse is caring for a client who has recently lost his wife. The client tells the nurse that he is planning an elaborate wake and funeral. According to George Engel, which purpose would these rituals serve?

A) To delay the recovery process initiated by the loss of the client's wife
B) To facilitate the acceptance of the loss of the client's wife
C) To avoid dealing with grief associated with the loss of the client's wife
D) To eliminate emotional pain related to the loss of the client's wife

Question 11

____________________ is the separation from something of personal importance.

Question 12

Which statement made by a family member of a hospice client requires correction by the nurse?

A) "My mom will receive pain management and be kept as comfortable as possible."
B) "My mom will receive aggressive treatment as a final attempt to cure the disease to give her more time to spend with us."
C) "The dietician can work with us to help plan some high calorie meals incorporating foods my mom will eat."
D) "There is a nurse or staff member available 24/7 in case my mom needs assistance."

Question 13

A nurse discharges a female client to home after delivering a stillborn infant. The client finds that neighbors have dismantled the nursery that she and her husband planned. According to Worden, how could this intervention affect the woman's grieving task completion?

A) This intervention may hinder the woman from continuing a relationship with her infant.
B) This intervention would help the woman forget the sorrow and move on with life.
C) This intervention communicates full support from her neighbors.
D) This intervention would motivate the woman to look to the future and not the past.

Question 14

According to Worden, which of the following client behaviors would delay or prolong the grieving process? (Select all that apply.)

A) Refusing to allow oneself to think painful thoughts
B) Indulging in the pain of loss
C) Using alcohol and drugs
D) Idealizing the object of loss
E) Recognizing that time will heal

Question 15

A client is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Which situation represents Kübler-Ross's grief stage of "anger"?

A) The client registers for an Ironman marathon to be held in 9 months.
B) The client is a devout Catholic but refuses to attend church and states that his faith has failed him.
C) The client promises God to give up smoking if allowed to live long enough to witness a grandchild's birth.
D) The client gathers family in order to plan a funeral and make last wishes known.