John is a 70-year-old male whose wife died from COPD two months ago. They were very close, married for 52 years, and had no children. He comes by the
... [Show More] nursing unit to bring you all candy and a thank you note for all the times you cared for her the past year. He tells you he is struggling to want to eat since she always was the cook, and is just not ready to go out to dinner with his buddies, even though they keep asking him. Your assessment is that John is:
Experiencing normal grief after his wife died two months ago
You are caring for a number of patients and family members who are facing loss or death. In speaking with them about grief, you correctly convey that grief:
Begins before a loss or death, as people consider a pending loss
00:30
01:33
Which of the following family members is at greatest risk for complicated grief?
The daughter who has a long history of substance use and has just recently returned home to be at her dying mother's bedside.
You are talking with the staff on your unit about the emotional challenges of working with dying patients and their families. Which of the following is an appropriate response to the grief the staff has been experiencing recently?
Consult with the hospital chaplain or spiritual care counselor for staff support.
You are making a bereavement visit to the 35-year-old daughter and primary caregiver of a female patient who died three months ago. The daughter reports she is experiencing mild breathlessness, loss of appetite, and difficulty concentrating. You should recognize that the daughter is experiencing:
A normal grief reaction
A year after the loss of her son to suicide, Mrs. Phelps expresses to you that she is still terrified that her surviving son will also commit suicide. Mrs. Phelps reports continuing to have nightmares in which this happens. What type of grief is Mrs. Phelps experiencing?
Exaggerated grief
The hospice interdisciplinary team is creating a bereavement plan for the family of Mr. A, a 50-year-old patient with advanced HIV/AIDS. The patient defines his family as consisting of his partner, his parents, four siblings, as well as his two closest friends. In creating the plan, each member of the interdisciplinary team understands that bereavement interventions must:
Take into account each survivor's cultural practices in mourning and grief reactions.
You are assessing Mrs. Smith's husband's well-being during Mrs. Smith's recent hospitalization. He tells you he has had trouble with heart failure this past year and then says, "All that matters is my wife. I don't have time to go to my doctor even though my prescriptions have run out. Don't you realize how many medications I have to give my wife around the clock? I can't deal with any more medications. I will have time to take care of myself later on." Your best response is:
"I am concerned about you too. Keep in mind you can't take care of Mrs. Smith if you get sick; you need to get your prescriptions filled." [Show Less]