Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumGrief and Loss

A client on an oncology unit has just been informed by the provider that their cancer is no longer responding to treatment. The client's partner begins pacing the public hallway, breathing rapidly, and loudly stating, "This cannot be happening!" In which order should the licensed practical nurse (LPN) prioritize the following actions? (Arrange the actions from first to last.)

  1. 1Escort the partner from the public hallway to a private, quiet area.
  2. 2Sit with the partner and maintain a calm, silent therapeutic presence.
  3. 3State, "This is overwhelming news to hear," to acknowledge the distress.
  4. 4Inquire if there is a specific support person or clergy member to contact.
  5. 5Document the partner's emotional response and the nursing interventions provided.

Answer

The correct sequence is to first secure privacy (escort to a private area), second establish therapeutic presence (sit silently), third provide verbal validation (acknowledge the news is overwhelming), fourth mobilize resources (inquire about a support person), and finally perform administrative duties (document).
In psychosocial crises, the nursing process dictates prioritizing immediate safety and milieu management first (privacy), followed by nonverbal therapeutic techniques (presence), then verbal therapeutic techniques (validation), followed by mobilizing coping resources (support persons), and ending with administrative requirements (documentation).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Ensure privacy and dignity by moving the partner out of the hallway.
The partner is in a safe, controlled environment away from other clients.
Milieu management and client/family dignity are foundational first steps during an acute emotional crisis.
2
Provide a silent, calming presence.
The partner has time and space to process the initial shock without pressure to communicate.
Offering self is a primary therapeutic communication technique that establishes trust when an individual is too overwhelmed for conversation.
3
Use verbal therapeutic communication to acknowledge the distress.
The partner's feelings of grief and disbelief are validated.
Stating that the news is overwhelming acknowledges the reality of the loss and opens the door for further expression of feelings.
4
Offer to contact external support systems.
The partner is connected with family, friends, or spiritual care.
The nurse assists with coping by integrating the family's preferred support network once the immediate panic has subsided.
5
Document the event in the medical record.
The health care team has an accurate record of the psychosocial event.
Documentation must always follow the completion of direct, immediate client or family care.

Key Concept

Nursing Management of Acute Grief and Loss
Rate this question

Topics

Grief and Loss

More questions from this topic