When a nurse asks a newly admitted patient to describe social supports, the patient says, "My parents died last year and I have no family. I am newly divorced, and my former in-laws blame me. I don't have many friends because most people my age just want to go out drinking." Which action will the nurse apply?

A) Advise the patient that being so particular about potential friends reduces social contact.
B) Suggest using the Internet as a way to find supportive others with similar values.
C) Encourage the patient to begin dating again, perhaps with members of the church.
D) Discuss how divorce support groups could increase coping and social support.

Question

Guadalupe Benitez · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : D, Explanation :  High-quality social support enhances mental and physical health and acts as a significant buffer against distress. Low-quality support relationships affect a person's coping negatively. Resuming dating soon after a divorce could place additional stress on the patient rather than helping her cope with existing stressors. Developing relationships on the Internet probably would not substitute fully for direct contact with other humans and could expose her to predators misrepresenting themselves to take advantage of vulnerable persons.

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