Loss and Grief
This is the emotional response to a loss, especially the loss of a loved one.
grief
A nurse caring for a patient newly diagnosed with cancer recognizes that offering emotional support, answering questions, and referring to counseling are all examples of this type of intervention.
psychosocial support
This type of range-of-motion exercise is performed by the patient without assistance, maintaining joint flexibility.
active range of motion (AROM)
This common complication of immobility is characterized by the formation of a blood clot, often in the deep veins of the legs.
deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
When giving a bed bath, this is the area of the body that should be washed first.
the face
This type of grief occurs before the actual loss, such as when a loved one is terminally ill.
anticipatory grief
This nursing diagnosis may be appropriate for a patient experiencing ongoing tension, irritability, and difficulty concentrating related to financial hardship.
ineffective coping
Before assisting a patient out of bed for the first time post-surgery, the nurse should assess for this condition, characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing.
orthostatic hypotension
This nursing diagnosis is appropriate when a patient is confined to bed and unable to change positions independently.
Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity
Nail care is often restricted in patients with this chronic condition due to decreased circulation and infection risk.
diabetes
A nurse supporting a grieving patient focuses on active listening, presence, and emotional validation. These are examples of this type of nursing intervention.
therapeutic communication
The nurse is caring for a patient under severe stress who begins laughing inappropriately and avoiding the topic. This may be an example of this psychological defense mechanism.
denial or displacement
This term describes the condition resulting from prolonged bed rest or immobility, leading to muscle wasting and decreased strength.
atrophy
This is the most common respiratory complication associated with immobility.
atelectasis
This is the most effective hygiene measure for preventing the spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
hand hygiene (or handwashing)
A family member continues to set a place at the dinner table for a loved one who died a year ago and has difficulty accepting the loss. This may indicate:
complicated (or prolonged) grief
A nurse working in a high-stress ICU environment attends debriefings and uses mindfulness to reduce burnout. These are examples of:
self-care and professional coping strategies
This standardized nursing diagnosis refers to a limitation in independent, purposeful physical movement of the body or of one or more extremities.
Impaired Physical Mobility
This psychological effect of prolonged immobility can lead to decreased motivation, mood changes, and feelings of helplessness.
depression
Before providing oral care to an unconscious patient, the nurse should place the patient in this position to reduce the risk of aspiration.
the side-lying or lateral position (with head turned to the side)
A nurse caring for a patient who lost a limb to amputation recognizes that the patient is also experiencing this type of psychological loss.
perceived loss
A nurse assessing a patient’s stress response notes increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and elevated blood pressure. These physical findings are signs of activation of this part of the nervous system.
the sympathetic nervous system
This type of exercise involves muscle contraction without movement of the joint and is often used to maintain muscle strength in immobile patients.
isometric exercises
Immobility increases the risk for renal calculi due to this physiological process, where calcium leaves the bones and enters the bloodstream.
hypercalcemia
Failure to perform regular hygiene and repositioning can lead to this condition, commonly seen in immobile patients, especially over bony prominences.
pressure ulcers (or pressure injuries)