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?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to George Engel's theory of grief and mourning, funeral rituals and mourning practices serve to facilitate the acceptance of the loss and to help the grieving individual work through their emotions. The elaborate wake and funeral that the client is planning can be seen as a way to honor his wife's memory and to begin to process his grief. It is not intended to delay recovery, avoid dealing with grief, or eliminate emotional pain.

A Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Has Recently