Question

Which is the best way for the health care professional to interact with an elderly patient whose husband recently died of cancer?

a) Be willing to discuss the loss if she wants to.
b) Avoid mentioning the loss to prevent emotional distress.
c) Encourage the patient to focus on positive aspects of life.
d) Provide information about grief support groups without direct discussion.

Answer 1

The best way for a health care professional to interact with an elderly patient who recently lost her husband to cancer is to be willing to discuss the loss if she wants to.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best way for a health care professional to interact with an elderly patient who recently lost her husband to cancer is to be willing to discuss the loss if she wants to. Grief and loss are deeply personal experiences, and some individuals may find it helpful to talk about their emotions and memories related to the deceased loved one. By being open and sensitive to the patient's needs, the health care professional can provide a supportive environment for the patient to express her feelings.