Growth and Development Q 10
The home care nurse is visiting an older female client whose husband died six (6) months ago. Which behavior, by the client, indicates ineffective coping?
A. Visiting her husband’s grave once a month
B. Participating in a senior citizens program
C. Looking at old snapshots of her family
D. Neglecting her personal grooming
Correct Answer: D. Neglecting her personal grooming.
Coping mechanisms are behaviors used to decrease stress and anxiety. In response to a death, ineffective coping is manifested by an extreme behavior that in some instances may be harmful to the individual physically or psychologically. Neglecting personal grooming is indicative of behavior that identifies an ineffective coping behavior in the grieving process.
Option A: This is an effective way to help the client cope and express their feelings when grieving. Acknowledge the patient’s need to review the loss experience. In this way, the patient and family members integrate the event into their experience.
Option B: A senior citizen program provides activities and enrichment classes that can help the widow alleviate feelings of helplessness, loneliness, and boredom after a loss of a loved one.
Option C: Strengthen the patient’s efforts to go on with his or her life and normal routine. Review and point out strengths and progress to date. Encourage the patient to manage their own self-care needs for rest, sleep, nutrition, and leisure activities.