Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 62%
Practice
A teenage boy has lost his best friend as a result of a hunting accident. His parents report that he is eating and sleeping very little and expresses little interest in school. They are concerned that he talks about the accident repeatedly. These behaviors are generally seen as:
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Expressions of a normal grief reaction. The teenage boy's behaviors of poor appetite, insomnia, lack of interest in school, and repetitive discussions about the accident are common manifestations of grief. This grief reaction is a normal response to losing a close friend in a traumatic manner like a hunting accident. It is important to acknowledge and validate his emotions during this difficult time.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Expressing responsibility for his friend's death - This choice suggests guilt or blame on the part of the boy, which is not evident in the scenario.
B: Attempts to avoid dealing with his pain - The boy's behaviors indicate he is processing his grief rather than avoiding it.
D: Indications of a risk for self-harm - While it is important to monitor for signs of self-harm, the behaviors described are more indicative of grief rather than immediate self-harm risk.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Expressing responsibility for his friend's death - This choice suggests guilt or blame on the part of the boy, which is not evident in the scenario.
B: Attempts to avoid dealing with his pain - The boy's behaviors indicate he is processing his grief rather than avoiding it.
D: Indications of a risk for self-harm - While it is important to monitor for signs of self-harm, the behaviors described are more indicative of grief rather than immediate self-harm risk.