The wife of a chronically ill patient has stopped going to the hairdresser and tells the nurse that all she does is care for her husband. Which of the following should the nurse do to support the wife?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Many family members who have been caring for dying loved ones at home are dealing with increasingly complex physical and psychological issues. As the patient's condition worsens, family caregivers often tend to resist offers of help for themselves. Their own needs are ignored as they focus on the needs of the dying family member, increasing their risk of developing physical or psychological disorders. The nurse should not remind the wife that it is her responsibility to care for the patient or that the situation will not go on forever since the patient will eventually die. There is not enough information to support the patient being admitted to a skilled nursing facility for care.

The Wife of a Chronically Ill Patient Has Stopped Going