A patient tells the nurse of the recent deaths of a spouse of 50 years as well as an adult child in an automobile accident. The patient has no other family and only a few friends in the community. What is the priority nursing diagnosis?

A) Spiritual distress, related to being angry with God for taking the family
B) Risk for suicide, related to recent deaths of significant others
C) Anxiety, related to sudden and abrupt lifestyle changes
D) Social isolation, related to loss of existing family

Spiritual Distress

A condition of distress linked to the diminished capacity to find and assimilate significance and direction in life through bonds with oneself, other people, the arts, literature, the natural world, or a higher power.

Social Isolation

A state of minimal or no contact with society or other individuals, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and have negative effects on health.

Risk for Suicide

The likelihood or potential for a person to attempt or complete suicide, often influenced by various mental, emotional, socioeconomic, and biological factors.