The wife of a patient with terminal lung cancer visits daily and cheerfully talks with the patient about vacation plans for the next year. When asked by the nurse how she is feeling, she says, "I'm busy at work, but otherwise things are fine." An appropriate nursing diagnosis for the wife is

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The wife's behavior and statements indicate the presence of absent grief, which may lead to impaired adjustment as the patient progresses toward death. The wife does not appear to feel overwhelmed or anxious. The evidence does not support hopelessness as a problem for the patient's wife.

The Wife of a Patient with Terminal Lung Cancer Visits