The patient had a colostomy placed 1 week ago. When approached by the nurse, the patient and spouse refuse to talk about

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The patient had a colostomy placed 1 week ago. When approached by the nurse, the patient and
spouse refuse to talk about it and refuse to be taught about how to care for it. How will the nurse
evaluate this couple’s stage of adjustment?

a. Shock
b. Withdrawal
c. Acceptance
d. Rehabilitation
ANS: B
As the patient and family recognize the reality of a change, they become anxious and may withdraw,
refusing to discuss it. This is an adaptive coping mechanism that assists the patient in making the
adjustment. Initially, the patient may be shocked by the change. This is followed by withdrawal,
acknowledgment, acceptance, and rehabilitation (ready to adapt to the change through use of
colostomy bag)