A store clerk was killed during a robbery 2 weeks ago. His widow, who has a long history of schizoaffective disorder, cries spontaneously when talking about his death. Select the nurse's most therapeutic response

Question

a. "Are you taking your medications the way they are prescribed?"
b. "This loss is harder to accept because of your mental illness. Do you think you should be hospitalized?"
c. "I'm worried about how much you are crying. Your grief over your husband's death has gone on too long."
d. "The unexpected death of your husband is very painful. I'm glad you are able to talk about your feelings."

Answer 1

ANS: D
The patient is expressing feelings related to the loss, and this is an expected and healthy behavior. This patient is at risk for a maladaptive response 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. Crying at 2 weeks after his death is expected and normal.