RN Nursing · Grief, Loss, and Palliative Care · Practice question
A nurse is caring for a client recently diagnosed with a terminal illness. The client states, "Why me? I have always been good to everyone." Based on Kubler-Ross, the nurse knows the client's response represents what stage of grief?
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Depression
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Highlighting
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Bargaining
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✓
Anger
Answer & explanation
Correct: Anger
According to Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's five stages of grief — denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance — the statement "Why me? I have always been good to everyone" reflects the anger stage. The client is expressing resentment and questioning the fairness of the situation, which is characteristic of anger directed at the circumstances, God, or a perceived injustice. This emotional response is a normal part of the grieving process. It should not be confused with bargaining, which involves the client attempting to negotiate with a higher power or medical team for more time or a different outcome, often using statements like "If I get better, I will..." Depression is characterized by profound sadness, withdrawal, and hopelessness rather than outward protest. Denial involves refusing to accept the diagnosis. "Highlighting" is not one of the recognized Kübler-Ross stages at all. Recognizing the stage correctly allows the nurse to respond therapeutically by acknowledging the client's feelings without judgment.
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