The actions of the family of an older adult who just died are chaotic, and they are unable to decide on a funeral home. Which recommendation should the nurse implement?

Question

a. Help them make a list of the problems.
b. Provide a list of preferred funeral homes.
c. Allow them privacy to work it out alone.
d. Suggest they call someone who can help.

Answer 1

D

Feedback
A Incorrect. Effective coping includes a focus on solutions rather than problems.
B Incorrect. The nurse avoids a potential conflict of interest by recommending fu-neral homes.
C Incorrect. The family can be unable to solve the problem alone because of inef-fective coping in the immediate mourning period.
D Correct. A characteristic of a good coper is one who has good communication with others; however, immediately after the older adult's death, this family is coping ineffectively with the loss. To facilitate the family with decision making, the nurse asks one family member to consider calling another person who is likely to help in this situation because this can help the individual to face the reality of the death. After making the suggestion, the nurse ensures the family has enough time for holding behaviors, to prepare the body if they wish, and to express their grief in privacy and in their own way.