A home health patient previously lived with her sister for more than 20 years.Although it has been over a year since her sister died,the patient tells the nurse,"It's no worse now,but I never feel any relief from this overwhelming sadness.I still can't sleep a full night.The house is a mess; I feel too tired even to take a bath.But,sometimes at night,she comes to me and I can see her plain as can be." The patient's clothing is not clean and her hair is not combed.She is apparently not eating adequately.It is the patient's birthday.What should the nurse conclude about the patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's persistent feelings of overwhelming sadness, inability to sleep, lack of hygiene, and poor nutrition suggest a depressive disorder rather than the normal grieving process. The patient's report of seeing her sister also suggests possible hallucinations, which is a symptom of depression. The fact that it has been over a year since her sister's death further supports the possibility of a depressive disorder rather than simply prolonged grief.

A Home Health Patient Previously Lived with Her Sister for More