Question

A nurse in a county health department is caring for a client who states, I've been drinking too much in the evening since my friend died last year. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

a) It's understandable given the circumstances; you'll get through it.
b) Have you tried finding other ways to cope with your grief?
c) Drinking can be a healthy way to relax and unwind.
d) Let's explore healthier coping mechanisms for your grief.

Answer 1

The best response for a nurse to give to a client who admits to drinking too much in the evening since the loss of a friend is to explore healthier coping mechanisms for grief, based on the Kübler-Ross model of dealing with loss.

Step-by-step explanation:

The subject of the question is Health, specifically related to coping mechanisms in the context of nursing and grief management. The correct response to the client's statement about drinking excessively since the death of a friend is d) Let's explore healthier coping mechanisms for your grief. This option is supportive and offers to work with the client to find healthier ways to manage their emotions, which aligns with proper nursing practices and the psychological understanding of grief.

It's based on the understanding from the Kübler-Ross model that individuals go through stages such as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance when dealing with loss. While drinking might offer temporary relief, it's not a healthy or sustainable coping mechanism. Nurses must encourage and help patients find constructive and healthy ways to process their grief, which can include therapy, physical activity, or joining support groups. Such methods not only help in the short term but provide tools for dealing with any future losses they may encounter.