Which assessment finding would best support a nursing concern of disordered grieving?

• A. The client reports persistent feelings of hopelessness and inability to perform daily activities months after the loss
• B. The client attends a support group and discusses coping strategies with others
• C. The client occasionally reminisces about the deceased but shows signs of emotional acceptance
• D. The client expresses sadness but is able to maintain social relationships and work responsibilities

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of disordered grieving, which refers to a prolonged or complicated grief response that significantly impairs a person's ability to function in daily life.
2. Identify key symptoms that indicate disordered grieving, such as persistent feelings of hopelessness, inability to perform daily activities, and prolonged emotional distress beyond the typical grieving period.
3. Evaluate each assessment finding by comparing it to the characteristics of healthy versus disordered grieving:
4. - Attending support groups and discussing coping strategies generally indicates adaptive coping.
5. - Occasional reminiscing with emotional acceptance suggests normal grieving.
6. - Expressing sadness but maintaining social and work functions reflects healthy adjustment.
7. - Persistent hopelessness and inability to perform daily activities months after the loss align with disordered grieving.