Which statement by a client would alert the nurse that the client is experiencing complicated grief?

• A. I talk about my loved one with friends and family when I feel the need.
• B. I feel sad sometimes, but I know things will get better with time.
• C. I miss my loved one, but I am starting to enjoy activities again.
• D. I still set a place at the table for my spouse every night, even though they passed away a year ago.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of complicated grief, which is a prolonged, intense form of grief that interferes with a person's ability to function and move forward after the loss of a loved one.
2. Step 2: Identify typical grief responses, such as talking about the loved one, feeling sadness that improves over time, and gradually resuming normal activities, which indicate a healthy grieving process.
3. Step 3: Recognize that statements reflecting ongoing, intense behaviors that prevent acceptance of the loss—such as setting a place at the table for a deceased spouse long after the loss—may indicate complicated grief.
4. Step 4: Compare each client statement to these criteria, noting that the statement about still setting a place at the table suggests difficulty accepting the death and persistent attachment, characteristic of complicated grief.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the nurse should be alerted by statements showing persistent denial or inability to adapt to the loss, as these require further assessment and possible intervention.