Loss and Types of Loss
What is loss?
When something or someone valued becomes inaccessible or changed.
Define grief.
Psychological, biological, and behavioural responses to loss.
What is anticipatory grief?
Grief before the actual loss occurs.
Which early thinker introduced "grief work theory"?
Freud.
What is the most important nursing action in grief support?
Being present.
What is actual loss?
A loss recognized by others.
Give one emotional grief response.
Sadness, guilt, anger, difficulty concentrating.
What is complicated grief?
Severe or prolonged grief where responses don't improve with time.
What was the focus of Freud's grief theory?
Letting go of attachments to form new ones.
What communication technique is essential?
Open-ended questions and active listening.
What is anticipatory loss?
Loss expected before it happens (e.g., decline before death).
Give one physical/biological grief response.
Sleep disturbance, appetite changes, fatigue, aches.
Name one warning sign of complicated grief.
Suicidal thoughts, violent outbursts, self-destructive behaviour.
What model did Kubler-Ross introduce?
The five stages of grief (denial to acceptance).
Why must nurses understand the person's grief experience?
To tailor support to their history, culture, and coping style.
What is perceived loss?
Loss felt by the person but not easily verified by others.
Give one social/behavioural grief response.
Withdrawal or not wanting to be alone.
What is disenfranchised grief?
Grief not acknowledged by others.
What is the main critique of the stages model?
What should nurses encourage families to share?
Fears, concerns, plans, and hopes.
Roles, independence, control, certainty, social connection, hope.
Give one spiritual response to grief.
Questioning purpose, "why?", loss of meaning.
What is cumulative grief?
Multiple losses occurring in a short period.
What is the dual process model (Stroebe and Schut)?
Oscillation between loss-orientation and restoration-oriented coping.
Why is interdisciplinary collaboration important in grief care?
It provides holistic, consistent support for the patient and family.