An individual was killed during a store robbery 2 weeks ago. The widowed spouse, who was diagnosed 6 years ago with schizoaffective disorder, cries spontaneously when talking about the death. Which is the nurse's most therapeutic comment?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is expressing feelings related to the loss, and this is an expected and healthy behavior. This patient is at risk for dysfunctional grieving because of the history of a severe psychiatric illness, but the nurse's priority intervention is to form a therapeutic alliance and support the patient's expression of feelings. The patient's crying 2 weeks after the spouse's death is expected and normal.

An Individual Was Killed During a Store Robbery 2 Weeks