A patient who was widowed 18 months ago says, 'I can remember good times we had without getting upset. Sometimes I even think about the disappointments. I am still trying to become accustomed to sleeping in the bed all alone.' The work of mourning

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the patient's ability to recall positive memories without distress, acknowledge disappointments, and express ongoing adjustment to being alone indicates that the work of mourning is at or near completion. This suggests that the patient has processed their grief, accepted the loss, and is gradually adapting to the new reality. Other choices are incorrect because the patient's responses do not indicate that mourning has just started (A), not yet started (B), or progressing abnormally (D).

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it encourages the patient to express their thoughts and feelings, showing empathy and support. It validates the patient's emotions and allows them to explore their hopes and concerns. Choice B focuses on information rather than emotional support. Choice C is dismissive and lacks empathy, potentially causing distress. Choice D deflects the patient's expression of emotions and directs them elsewhere, missing an opportunity for therapeutic communication.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the sudden and violent death of a community leader like the principal of a local high school is likely to have a profound impact on the community, leading to widespread grief. This event directly affects the safety and well-being of individuals within the community, causing shock and emotional turmoil. It disrupts the sense of security and stability that the principal represents. In contrast, the other choices may cause concern or inconvenience, but they are less likely to evoke the same level of emotional response and communal grief. Robberies, the death of an elderly pastor, or infrastructure issues like crumbling concrete pilings may be concerning, but they do not have the same emotional weight and impact on the community as the tragic and violent death of a school principal.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hope. The patient expressing belief in their own ability to overcome fears based on observing another's progress demonstrates the therapeutic factor of hope. This instills optimism and motivation in the patient, showing that change is possible. Altruism (B) involves gaining satisfaction from helping others, not necessarily from receiving inspiration. Catharsis (C) is the emotional release of pent-up feelings, not directly related to the patient's progress. Cohesiveness (D) refers to the bond and unity within the group, not the individual's personal growth.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a symptom-management group for individuals with schizophrenia aims to help them learn strategies to cope with their illness effectively. This is crucial for improving their quality of life and managing symptoms. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not directly address the primary goal of the symptom-management group, which is to teach coping mechanisms for dealing with the challenges of schizophrenia. A focusing on medication names is not the main goal, resolving family conflicts may not directly address individual coping skills, and just lowering anxiety levels does not necessarily equip individuals with long-term coping strategies.