A patient tells the nurse that her estranged husband died a ...

[yoooooman]

A patient tells the nurse that her estranged husband died a little over a year ago and states, I am not sure why this is so difficult. I really couldn't stand him near the end. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
 
  1. Sometimes a rocky relationship with someone at the time of their death can affect your ability to grieve.
  2. You seem angry.
  3. You should contact a therapist.
  4. You are just entering the grief process. Things will get better.

Question 2

A patient of Native American descent is expected to die. The family arrives at the hospital and wants to observe their religious and cultural traditions. Which intervention by the nursing staff would be most appropriate?
 
  1. Offer the family a private room to sit together.
  2. Discourage the family from sitting with their loved one prior to death.
  3. Discuss the possibility of transferring the patient home for the death.
  4. Encourage the family to consider a DNR order.

[krakiolit]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1

An ambivalent relationship prior to the loss can affect a person's ability to grieve. The patient does not seem angry. It is inappropriate for the nurse to refer the patient to a therapist. As the death occurred over a year ago, the patient is experiencing impaired grieving.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1

Traditional Native Americans prefer to mourn in private, away from the dying patient. It is not appropriate for the nurse to discourage the family from spending time with the patient at this critical point. The severity of the patient's condition does not allow for transfer at this time. Some tribes prefer not to openly discuss DNR decisions.

[yoooooman]

Thank you

[krakiolit]

Happy to help you