Question

A nurse is assessing a client whose partner recently died. The client states, I don't know what to do without my partner. Life is just not worth living. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

a. It's normal to feel this way. It will get better with time.
b. Life is challenging, but you need to stay strong for your family.
c. I can see that you're feeling overwhelmed. Let's talk more about it.
d. You should consider joining a support group to distract yourself.

Answer 1

The nurse should respond with empathy and an invitation to discuss the client's feelings further. Recognizing the stages of grief and that personal reactions to loss vary greatly, it is important to provide a nonjudgmental and supportive environment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The appropriate response to a client expressing feelings of despair following the death of a partner would be, "I can see that you're feeling overwhelmed. Let's talk more about it." This empathetic approach acknowledges the client's emotional state without making assumptions about how the client should feel or act, which might not be helpful.

Elizabeth Kübler-Ross's model can help us understand that the client may be going through the stages of grief, which include denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Not everyone experiences all these stages in order, and reactions to loss are highly personal. Some people find comfort and adaptive coping mechanisms in their spirituality, social support, or even considering remarriage after a period of mourning. It's crucial for healthcare professionals to offer supportive and nonjudgmental space for clients to share their feelings and start navigating their unique grieving process.