A nurse is interviewing a 76-year-old patient who lost her spouse of 51 years over a year ago. The patient describes herself as feeling intensely sad and hopeless all the time. What is an appropriate response for the nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

4. Based on the patient's feeling of hopelessness and the duration of intense grieving, the patient should be evaluated for depression. Normal grieving is not characterized by hopelessness. Unresolved grief occurs when individuals suppress or avoid grief. Chronic sorrow is a response to an ongoing source of grief.

A Nurse Is Interviewing a 76-Year-Old Patient Who Lost Her