What is the best nursing intervention for a family member who is expressing anger during the grieving process after kidney loss?

• A. Tell the family member to suppress anger to avoid upsetting the patient.
• B. Encourage the family member to share frustration regarding the loss of the kidney.
• C. Advise the family member to focus only on medical tasks and avoid discussing emotions.
• D. Suggest postponing emotional expression until after discharge.

Answer: (B)

Anger is a normal part of the grieving process, and the nurse’s role is to support safe, open emotional expression rather than suppress it. When a family member speaks about losing a kidney, acknowledging that hurt and frustration validates their experience and helps them process the loss. By listening actively, reflecting what you hear, and normalizing these feelings, you create a space where they can vent without fear of judgment. This supports healthy grieving and can prevent emotions from becoming more complicated or misdirected toward the patient or staff.

Encourage the family member to express frustrations about the loss, and respond with empathy: “I can see how deeply this affects you, and it’s understandable to feel angry.” This approach fosters coping, helps them articulate what they’re experiencing, and guides them toward constructive ways to cope, such as discussing worries, seeking support, or using short, focused breaks to regroup.

Telling them to suppress anger, focusing only on medical tasks, or postponing emotional expression until later all hinder grieving by denying a legitimate emotional response. Suppression can lead to resentment or unresolved distress, and neglecting emotions can impair adjustment and caregiving.