The son of an older adult couple ends his life suddenly and violently.The husband proceeds with living as usual.After 1 year,the wife remains in seclusion and is hospitalized for dehydration.Which steps should the nurse implement to help improve the wife's mental health and wellness?

Question

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This couple is at high risk for chronic grief because of the nature of their son's death.The nurse can help this older woman work toward better mental health by establishing a trusting and caring relationship with her to encourage expressions about her son.Afterward,the nurse can pose probing questions to determine the best plan of care to help this older adult resolve or reframe enough grief to allow improved functioning.
Encouraging fluids can be a reasonable nursing intervention for this woman; however,encouraging social activity without a complete assessment and without being in the environment of a trusting relationship is unlikely to help improve functioning.The husband can be displaying disenfranchised grief and be unable to help until his grief is managed.A survivor's support group can be helpful to survivors of a loved one's suicide; however,expecting this older adult to attend such a group is unrealistic until the nurse establishes a trusting relationship with her.

The Son of an Older Adult Couple Ends His Life