Author Question: A patient lost his spouse three years ago. The nurse has been helping him work through his grief ... (Read 38 times)

fahad · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A patient lost his spouse three years ago. The nurse has been helping him work through his grief using Worden's stage theory of grieving. Which controversial stage might the nurse decide to eliminate?

1. Accept the reality of the loss.
2. Experience the pain of grief.
3. Adjust to an environment in which the deceased is missing.
4. Withdraw from the lost relationship and reinvest energy in new relationships.

Question 2

A nurse is working with a patient and realizes that it is almost one year since the death of the patient's spouse. What should the nurse do?

1. Ignore it unless the patient mentions it.
2. Tell the patient to visit the spouse's grave that day.
3. Suggest that the patient make plans to go away that day.
4. Prepare the patient for a possible anniversary reaction and help the patient plan for it.

brittanywood · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 4
Explanation: Worden's final stage of withdrawing from the lost relationship is controversial. Many believe is that it is unnecessary to detach in order to move on to new relationships, and the bereaved can maintain the attachment to a lost loved one in a number of ways. Accepting the reality of the loss, experiencing the pain of grief and adjusting to a world without the deceased person are tasks of grieving that must be completed or the person is at risk for future problems with adjustment.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 4
Explanation: Anniversaries of loss may trigger increased sadness and anxiety. Nurses can teach the patient and family to prepare for an anniversary so they can take an active part in coping with a difficult time. Ignoring the anniversary will not help the patient develop coping strategies. Patients should not be told what rituals or activities would be most helpful to them.