Personality and Mood Disorders Q 52
Situation: A widow age 28, whose husband died one (1) year ago due to AIDS, has just been told that she has AIDS. Panky says to the nurse, “Why me? How could God do this to me?” The nurse’s therapeutic response is:
A. “I will refer you to a clergy who can help you understand what is happening to you.”
B. “ It isn’t fair that an innocent like you will suffer from AIDS.”
C. “That is a negative attitude.”
D. ”It must really be frustrating for you. How can I best help you?”
Correct Answer: D. ”It must really be frustrating for you. How can I best help you?”
This response reflects the pain due to loss. A helping relationship can be forged by showing empathy and concern. Communicate therapeutically with patient and family members and allow them to verbalize feelings. Sharing feelings with a healthcare provider may help the patient find significance in the experience of loss.
Option A: This is not therapeutic since it passes the buck or responsibility to the clergy. Support the patient and significant others share mutual fears, concerns, plans, and hopes for each other. Keeping secrets won’t do any help during this time. These times of stress can be used as an opportunity for growth and family development.
Option B: This response is not therapeutic because it gives the client the impression that she is right which prevents the client from reconsidering her thoughts. Help the client accept that the loss is real by providing sensitive, factual information concerning the loss.
Option C: This statement passes judgment on the client. Acknowledge the patient’s need to review the loss experience. In this way, the patient and family members integrate the event into their experience.