A client experiencing situational depression over the loss of a ...

[Collmarie]

A client experiencing situational depression over the loss of a spouse is overwhelmed with having to close the spouse's business, settle finances, and figure out a way to survive financially. Which actions by the nurse are appropriate when assisting this
 
  Select all that apply.
  A) Ask if the client can move in with parents.
  B) Suggest that the client attend group therapy with a grief counselor.
  C) Investigate whether the spouse had life insurance and what income the client can expect.
  D) Help the client focus on strengths.
  E) Help the client prioritize things that need to be accomplished.

Question 2

The nurse is discussing hospice care with the family of a client dying of cancer. The spouse asks the nurse if Medicare will continue to pay if the client lives longer than 6 months. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
 
  A) I will call someone in the finance office to come speak with you about your question.
  B) Are you concerned about paying for your spouse's health care?
  C) It is unlikely your husband will live past 6 months.
  D) Please ask the doctor to explain the role of hospice before discharge.

[SAUXC]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: D, E

The client is demonstrating powerlessness. The nurse should help the client problem-solve by strategizing what needs to be accomplished. The nurse should not suggest group therapy with a grief counselor because the client is not demonstrating signs of dysfunctional grieving. The nurse should not suggest the client move in with parents nor investigate whether the spouse had life insurance to help with the client's income because the client has not yet determined the priority of issues that need to be addressed. These suggestions might be beneficial after the client has prioritized the things that need to be accomplished.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: B

The nurse is responsible for explaining resources that the client and family will need for ongoing care. Finding someone to explain the hospice benefit is the best response for the nurse to make. The nurse should not question the spouse's concern about paying for health care. The nurse has no way of knowing how long the client will live. The physician will most likely not have the most current information regarding the hospice benefit. The best individual to explain this benefit would be someone from the finance department.

[Collmarie]

Thank you

[SAUXC]

No problemo