A mother says to the nurse, “I know I should be feeling an empty nest

A mother says to the nurse, “I know I should be feeling an empty nest sadness now that our youngest has left for college—but mainly I’m dying to turn his room into my craft room. Do you think that’s normal for a mom?

I really do love my kids.” Which of the following would be the most appropriate response by the nurse?
a.
“Hmm, that is unusual. Would you like me to make an appointment with a psychologist for you?”
b.
“Maybe you’ve always wanted to be an artist and now you can, so enjoy the feeling—and the room!”
c.
“You’re probably trying to put a positive spin on the situation to keep feelings of sadness at bay.”
d.
“Very normal; you’ve launched your family and now you can devote attention to your own life and preferences—such as crafts.”
e.
“Would you like to talk about how you feel?”

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: D
To assess the family, the community health nurse must comprehend developmental phases and the struggles that families experience while going through them. The mother is recognizing the stage of launching family that occurs when the youngest child leaves home. The development requirement of this stage of life includes establishment of independent identities for parents—such as focusing on becoming a crafts person.