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NCLEX · Grief, Loss, and End-of-Life

What is the BEST general principle for a nurse supporting a grieving client?

Correct answer

Allow the client to express grief in their own way, listen with empathy, and avoid imposing a timeline on their grieving

  1. A Tell the client how they should feel
  2. B Allow the client to express grief in their own way, listen with empathy, and avoid imposing a timeline on their grieving
  3. C Discourage the client from talking about the loss
  4. D Reassure the client that they will quickly 'get over it'

Why this is the answer

The best general principle in supporting a grieving client is to allow them to express grief in their own way, listen with empathy and presence, and avoid imposing expectations or a timeline on their grieving process, since grief is individual and varies widely. Telling clients how they should feel, discouraging them from discussing the loss, or minimizing their grief ('you'll get over it quickly') are non-therapeutic and can block healthy grieving. Supporting individualized expression of grief is a core psychosocial principle. (This reflects general principles; verify against current NCLEX prep materials.)
Source: NCLEX-PN Psychosocial — Supporting Grief

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