PMH-C Perinatal Loss & Grief 2

Question 1

A patient suffered a miscarriage at 10 weeks and her partner minimizes the loss saying 'it was just cells.' Which intervention is most appropriate for the perinatal mental health clinician?

Accepted Answer

Validate the patient's loss and educate the partner about the significance of perinatal grief

Answer

Agree with the partner to reduce conflict

Answer

Refer the patient for immediate inpatient treatment

Answer

Advise the couple to delay grieving until they attempt another pregnancy

Question 2

Which of the following best characterizes 'disenfranchised grief' in the context of perinatal loss?

Accepted Answer

Grief that is not publicly acknowledged or socially supported

Answer

Grief that is openly mourned at a public funeral

Answer

Grief treated exclusively with pharmacological interventions

Answer

Grief occurring only after 20 weeks of gestation

Question 3

A couple is preparing to deliver a baby diagnosed prenatally with a lethal anomaly. Planning care before the death occurs is called:

Accepted Answer

Perinatal palliative care

Answer

Post-mortem counseling

Answer

Crisis intervention

Answer

Anticipatory guidance only

Question 4

Research indicates that subsequent pregnancies following perinatal loss are often characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Heightened anxiety and ambivalence despite genuine desire for the baby

Answer

Complete resolution of grief before the new pregnancy begins

Answer

No significant emotional differences from typical pregnancies

Answer

Decreased attachment to the subsequent infant

Question 5

Which of the following is the most evidence-based recommendation for fathers/non-birthing partners experiencing perinatal grief?

Accepted Answer

Partners benefit from peer support groups and individual counseling tailored to their experience

Answer

Partners rarely experience significant grief and do not require support

Answer

Partners should focus on supporting the birthing parent rather than processing their own grief

Answer

Partners typically resolve grief faster and should not discuss the loss after 3 months

Question 6

A nurse offers a bereaved mother a 'memory box' containing the baby's footprints and a lock of hair. This intervention aims to:

Accepted Answer

Create tangible mementos that can support the grieving process and validate the baby's existence

Answer

Prolong pathological grief

Answer

Replace the need for psychological counseling

Answer

Meet legal documentation requirements

Question 7

When a patient discloses a prior pregnancy loss during prenatal care, the most appropriate initial clinical response is:

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the loss, explore its impact, and assess current coping and support

Answer

Quickly move on to avoid re-traumatizing the patient

Answer

Automatically prescribe antidepressants as a precaution

Answer

Document it without further discussion to maintain focus on the current pregnancy