A bystander was killed during a robbery 2 weeks ago. His widow, who is diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, cries spontaneously when talking about his death. Select the nurse's most therapeutic response.

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 serious mental illness, but the nurse's priority intervention is to form a therapeutic alliance and support the patient's expression of feelings. The crying 2 weeks after his death is expected and normal.

A Bystander Was Killed During a Robbery 2 Weeks Ago