Question

The mother of 6-year-old twins says to the nurse, 'My mother-in-law doesn't think that the twins should come to the funeral service for their grandfather. What do you advise?' Which response by the nurse would be therapeutic?

A. 'What do you and your husband believe is the right thing for your children?'
B. 'By all means have them attend. Keeping them home will only prolong their grief.'
C. 'I agree with your mother-in-law. Just tell your children that their grandfather is in heaven.'
D. 'It's a difficult decision, but given their young age, maybe it would be best to keep them home from the wake and just let them attend the funeral.'

Answer 1

The nurse should advise the mother to keep the twins home from the wake and let them attend the funeral.

Step-by-step explanation:

The therapeutic response that the nurse should provide is option D: 'It's a difficult decision, but given their young age, maybe it would be best to keep them home from the wake and just let them attend the funeral.'

This response acknowledges the mother's concern and acknowledges the differing opinions. It also considers the age and emotional capacity of the twins and suggests a compromise that allows them to attend the funeral while protecting them from the potentially overwhelming experience of the wake.