Your patient's spouse died recently from a sudden illness after 45 years of marriage.The patient was the primary caregiver for the spouse during this time.The patient is now depressed and withdrawn and has verbalized feelings of uselessness.Which action by the nurse is best?
A)Encourage the patient take up a hobby that will occupy some time.
B)Explain that volunteering would be an excellent way to stay useful.
C)Assure the patient that these feelings of sadness will pass with time.
D)Ask the patient to share some cherished memories of the spouse.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Volunteering will help the patient to interact with people and feel productive and valued for the ability to help others as stated in the activity theory.A hobby does not offer the chance to help others.Assuring the patient that feelings will pass is false reassurance and does nothing to help the patient to be proactive.Reminiscing is a valued activity,but it is not the best choice for regaining a sense of usefulness.

Your Patient's Spouse Died Recently from a Sudden Illness After