A patient has been grieving the loss of a spouse and seems to be doing surprisingly well when a beloved pet dies
The patient demonstrates extreme signs of sadness and despair, saying, "I can-not possibly go on without Kitty." When working with the family, what does the nurse suggest?
a. Get the patient another cat.
b. Suggest the patient see the physician.
c. Refer the patient to a grief therapist.
d. Suggest they take the patient on a trip.
C
This patient is demonstrating a delayed or postponed grief reaction. Doing "surprisingly well" may indicate a lack of grief response at the original loss, then an exaggerated reaction to a small-er, subsequent loss. The most appropriate action is to refer the patient and family to a grief counselor who can help the patient work through both losses. Getting another cat dismisses the importance of the first one. A physician visit may be needed, but a grief counselor is more ap-propriate. Taking the patient on a trip will not help resolve the situation.
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