Which action most clearly indicates a client is successfully completing the tasks of mourning after losing a spouse?

• A. Reporting that sleeping alone is so hard now.
• B. Purchasing a smaller car she is comfortable driving.
• C. Placing a picture of her husband on the bedside stand.
• D. Heard explaining to family that illness 'took' her husband.

Answer: (C)

When someone is adapting to the loss of a spouse, progress shows up as they begin to integrate the reality of the death into daily life while still valuing and honoring the memory of their partner. Placing a picture of the husband on the bedside stand illustrates this balance: it keeps the loved one in the everyday environment and from a distance supports emotional connection, while not forcing the person to sever memories. This indicates an ongoing, healthy processing of grief and a move toward life without denying the loss.

Saying sleeping alone is hard suggests ongoing distress rather than successful adaptation. Buying a smaller car—while it shows practical adjustment—doesn't directly reflect how the person is processing the emotional loss. Explaining to family that the illness “took” her husband points to blame or avoidance rather than accepting the reality and continuing forward.