Author Question: The daughter of an older adult woman who had a colostomy as a result of colon cancer tells the ... (Read 58 times)

cagreen833 · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

The daughter of an older adult woman who had a colostomy as a result of colon cancer tells the nurse, Mom seems to be so withdrawn; she has stopped going out with her friends and I'm re-ally concerned

The most relevant nursing diagnosis for the patient's reaction is:
a. Ineffective individual coping.
b. Dysfunctional grieving.
c. Social isolation.
d. Hopelessness.

Question 2

An older adult man has been the primary caregiver for his chronically ill wife for the past 10 years. When his wife dies, the nurse prepares the family for the likely possibility that their father will express

a. guilt that he is alive while she is dead.
b. deep despair for his loss.
c. personal relief that she has died.
d. concern that he could have cared for her better.

Ptupou85 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

C
Voluntary social isolation may result when an older adult with cancer no longer feels comfortable in social settings because of his or her situation, including, for example, changes in body image, energy levels, or interests. Older persons with cancer may withdraw because they perceive that others are uncomfortable in their presence and because they believe, rightly or wrongly, that others are avoiding them because of the cancer diagnosis. Coping may be disturbed in this patient as well. The patient may be grieving loss of her former healthy self, and she may feel hopeless. But social isolation fits the daughter's data.

Answer to Question 2

C
For some older persons, the grief experience may include feelings of relief and emancipation, especially after prolonged suffering or a difficult relationship. Because this may occur, the nurse should let the family know of its possibility. The other options are possible too; however, the re-lief response is a more universal experience.