Question

A patient's spouse and son were recently killed in an automobile accident, and the patient's position in a large company has been eliminated due to corporate reorganization. The patient states, I do not think I can handle this. The nurse could safely make the assumption that

A. the patient will soon develop clinical depression.
B. the patient needs hospitalization to foster adaptation.
C. environmental factors may have a negative impact on this person's health.
D. self-care will assure the patient's ability to readjust.

Answer 1

It is safe to assume that the patient's difficult circumstances could negatively affect their health, but assuming depression or need for hospitalization without more evidence is premature. Environmental factors and personal coping mechanisms play crucial roles in health outcomes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient who has recently lost immediate family members and a job is likely experiencing significant stress that could impact health. It would be premature to assume clinical depression or immediate need for hospitalization without further evidence. However, it is safe to assume that environmental factors, such as the loss and job termination, could have a negative impact on the person's health. Taking into account that personality traits and levels of neuroticism can influence one's susceptibility to illness and that stressors are controllable to various extents, we should consider the patient's unique situation, coping mechanisms, and support system before making assumptions about their mental health and adaptation capabilities.