A man 62 years of age experienced the loss of his 87-year-old father a week ago. A hospice nurse is making a follow-up visit to determine how he is handling his father's death

Which of the following statements made indicates to the hospice nurse that client is in the acute mourning stage of bereavement?

A) "I keep thinking about my father; I have trouble believing he's dead. I feel guilty because I didn't go to the nursing home to visit him last week!"
B) "I've been grieving my father; losing him is a tremendous loss, but I have to get on with my life."
C) "My father was a saint. I am so angry at God for taking him away! I'm crying all the time; I haven't been able to work for days."
D) "I'm going to spend the weekend with my children; they understand what I've been going through, and I can relax around them."


Ans: C
The fact that the client is crying all the time, feeling angry for much of the time, missing work, and idealizing his father are all indicators of the acute mourning stage of bereavement. This stage is characterized by intense feeling states, social withdrawal, and identification with the deceased person. The statement about having trouble believing he is dead suggests the shock stage. The statement about grieving his father but having to get on with his life suggests the beginning of the resolution stage, as does the statement about spending the weekend with his children to relax.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

The mother of a 3-month-old is concerned because her daughter does not yet sit by herself. Which of the following statements best reflects average sitting ability?

A) Most babies sit steadily at 3 months; she is slightly delayed. B) Most babies do not sit steadily until 8 months; she is normal. C) Sitting ability and the age of first tooth eruption are correlated. D) Most babies sit steadily at 4 months; she is normal.

Nursing

Saint Cecil's hospital recently achieved "magnet" status. This means that the hospital has met the:

a. AHA distinguished service award for excellence in community service. b. JC patient care performance measures with no deficiencies. c. OSHA compliance with all guidelines and no deficiencies. d. ANCC nursing excellence requirements.

Nursing

The pregnant patient at 23 weeks' gestation has a hemoglobin of 9.5. Which diet choice indicates that teaching has been effective?

1. Tofu with mixed vegetables in curry, milk, and whole-wheat bun 2. Roast beef, steamed spinach, tomato soup, and orange juice 3. Pork chop, mashed potatoes and gravy, cauliflower, and tea 4. Broiled fish, lettuce salad, grapefruit half, and carrot sticks

Nursing

Prior to induction of labor at 37 weeks' gestation, the provider orders a fetal fibronectin test. What is the purpose of this test?

A) To view the cells of the cervix for changes B) Look for amniotic fluid ferning patterns C) Determine if a specific protein is present that is associated with readiness D) Assess the lung maturity of the fetus before inducing at 37 weeks

Nursing