Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 64%
Practice
Which patient would the nurse determine to be at highest risk for dysfunctional grief? The patient:
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A because the patient whose 16-year-old daughter was raped and killed while going on an errand for the patient is at highest risk for dysfunctional grief. This traumatic and unexpected loss of a child to a violent act can lead to complicated or prolonged grief reactions. The sudden and violent nature of the death, along with the added trauma of rape, can significantly impact the grieving process. The intense emotions and feelings of guilt, anger, and helplessness may complicate the bereavement process and lead to dysfunctional grief reactions.
Summary:
Choice B is incorrect because the death of an 86-year-old mother after a long illness, although sad, does not necessarily indicate a higher risk of dysfunctional grief. Choice C is incorrect as attending a support group and receiving assistance from hospice are positive factors that can support healthy grieving. Choice D is incorrect as attending a bereavement group and learning to express feelings after the deaths of twin daughters indicate active engagement in the grieving process, which is
Summary:
Choice B is incorrect because the death of an 86-year-old mother after a long illness, although sad, does not necessarily indicate a higher risk of dysfunctional grief. Choice C is incorrect as attending a support group and receiving assistance from hospice are positive factors that can support healthy grieving. Choice D is incorrect as attending a bereavement group and learning to express feelings after the deaths of twin daughters indicate active engagement in the grieving process, which is