A patient has been grieving the loss of a spouse and seems to be doing surprisingly well when a beloved pet dies.The patient demonstrates extreme signs of sadness and despair,saying,"I cannot possibly go on without Kitty." When working with the family,what does the nurse suggest?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The extreme signs of sadness and despair demonstrated by the patient indicate that they may be experiencing complicated grief, which may benefit from the assistance of a grief therapist. While getting another cat or going on a trip may bring temporary comfort, they will not address the underlying emotional distress. Seeing the provider may also be a helpful step, but specifically referring to a grief therapist would be the most beneficial course of action.

A Patient Has Been Grieving the Loss of a Spouse