Psychiatric Medications Q 56

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Joy’s stream of consciousness is occupied exclusively with thoughts of her father’s death. Nurse Ronald should plan to help Joy through this stage of grieving, which is known as:

  

     A. Shock and disbelief

     B. Developing awareness

     C. Resolving the loss

     D. Restitution

    

    

Correct Answer: C. Resolving the loss

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Resolving a loss is a slow, painful, continuous process until a mental image of the dead person, almost devoid of negative or undesirable features emerges. The individual is preoccupied with the loss, the lost person or object is idealized, the mourner may even imitate the lost person. Eventually, the preoccupation decreases, usually in a year or perhaps more.

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Option A: The initial reaction to a loss is a stunned, numb feeling accompanied by a refusal to acknowledge the reality of the loss in an attempt to protect the self against overwhelming stress.

Option B: As the individual begins to acknowledge the loss, there may be crying, feelings of helplessness, frustration, despair, and anger that can be directed at self or others, including God or the deceased person.

Option D: Participation in the rituals associated with death, such as a funeral, wake, family gathering, or religious ceremonies that help the individual accept the reality of the loss and begin the recovery process.

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