Which statement by the nurse would reflect boundary setting and support for grief when a patient is overwhelmed by multiple losses?

• A. Validation of the patient's ongoing grief
• B. Encouraging avoidance of the grief
• C. Assistance with boundary setting and letting go
• D. Promoting denial of loss

Answer: (C)

Boundaries and letting go are needed to help someone grieve when losses pile up. This approach shows the nurse supporting a sustainable pace for processing grief, helping the patient identify what they can handle at a time, set limits on exposure to reminders, and create space for rest. By assisting with boundary setting and letting go, the nurse helps prevent overload while still honoring the person’s feelings, which is essential when multiple losses are present. Validation of ongoing grief is important, but it doesn’t address the need for pacing and limits. Encouraging avoidance or promoting denial are coping strategies that hinder processing and long-term adjustment. The best choice demonstrates guiding the patient toward a manageable, ongoing grieving process through boundaries and pacing.