A grieving patient tells a nurse,"It's been 8 months since my spouse died.I thought I would feel better by now,but lately I feel worse.I have no energy.I am lonely,but I don't want to be around people.What should I do?" What is the nurse's best counsel?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient needs understanding and support that the feelings are normal.Although feelings of depression generally decline over the period of a year after the death of a loved one,the decline is not linear.Loneliness and aimlessness are most pronounced 6 to 9 months after the death.The patient should be educated about phenomena experienced during bereavement.The other options are not clearly indicated.

A Grieving Patient Tells a Nurse,"It's Been 8 Months Since