Author Question: The nurse is caring for client on the unit who has just died. The client's adolescent daughter is ... (Read 118 times)

ishan · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

The nurse is caring for client on the unit who has just died. The client's adolescent daughter is very quiet, and the nurse attempts to talk with her. The adolescent remains silent, not wishing to talk about the loss.

Which action by the nurse is appropriate to assist the adolescent?
A) Ask the doctor to prescribe a sedative for the adolescent.
B) Ask the adolescent if any friends are available to talk.
C) Provide the adolescent with paper, pens, and pencils.
D) Notifying the hospital chaplain to come talk with the adolescent.

Question 2

An older adult client with cardiac disease describes a decline in the amount of sleep and difficulty falling asleep at night. What should the nurse consider is occurring with this client?

A) Normal signs of cardiac disease
B) Signs of anxiety and depression
C) Normal signs of aging
D) Normal signs of respiratory disease

fwbard · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: B

By the time children reach adolescence, they are more capable of understanding the abstract idea of death. Adolescent grief responses are very similar to those of most adults, and they may display a wide range of emotions, including depression, denial, and anger. It is very common for individuals in this age group to direct grief-related anger toward their parents. Adolescents should be encouraged, but not forced, to voice their feelings about the loss. Sometimes individuals in this age group feel more comfortable talking to peers or those outside the family. Asking the doctor to prescribe a sedative will only delay the grieving process. Calling the chaplain is an option, but it would be better if the adolescent were given a choice.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: B

Drastic changes in sleep patterns may be early signs of underlying anxiety and depression and should be investigated and not written off as normal changes of aging. Pain, respiratory disease, and cardiac disease can also interfere with sleep, but sleep pattern disturbances need to be assessed further to determine if there is an underlying psychiatric problem.