A Nurse Is Working in the Emergency Department When a Child

question 29

Multiple Choice

A nurse is working in the emergency department when a child who was involved in a motor vehicle crash is admitted.The child is critically injured and,despite heroic efforts,does not survive.The nurse finds the family in the waiting room and several family members are agitated and do not listen to the nurse describe the child's injuries.One family member feels faint and another has vomited.What does the nurse understand about the current situation based on Epperson's theory of grieving?

• A) It is important to be patient and identify one person to communicate with.
• B) Most of the members are totally dysfunctional and should be sent home.
• C) Signs of emotional upheaval and physical symptoms are a result of great stress.
• D) The nurse should call security, as some family members may become violent.
• E) This family is reacting normally to a catastrophic loss, according to one theory.

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Definitions:

Downward Spiral

A progressively worsening situation where one negative event triggers another, leading to a continuous decline in circumstances or mood.

Social Rewards

Benefits that individuals receive from interacting with others, including acceptance, support, and validation.

Subgenual Cingulate

A brain structure whose abnormal activity has been linked to depression. Also called Brodmann Area 25.

Depression-Related

Pertaining to symptoms, conditions, or factors associated with or resulting from depression, a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest.