Kubler-Ross Stages of Grief
A patient says, “This can’t be happening.” This statement represents which stage?
What is denial?
A nurse says, “Let’s not talk about that right now.” This represents what type of communication?
What is non-therapeutic communication?
This type of death occurs when a patient emotionally withdraws and stops interacting with others.
What is psychological death?
A patient in the final stages of a terminal illness tells the nurse, “I’m afraid of what’s going to happen when I die.” Which response by the nurse demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. “You shouldn’t worry like that. Your family will be fine.”
B. “Everyone feels scared sometimes. Try to stay positive.”
C. “Can you tell me more about what you’re feeling and what concerns you the most?”
D. “You should talk to your doctor about this. They know more about the process.”
C. “Can you tell me more about what you’re feeling and what concerns you the most?”
A patient becomes withdrawn and tearful. This stage is:
What is depression?
Interrupting the patient or switching topics too soon is an example of this.
What is changing the subject?
This type of death occurs when the body physically stops functioning and all biological processes end.
What is physiological death?
The family of a dying patient tells the nurse, “He seems alive, but he hasn’t talked or responded to us for days.” Vital signs remain stable. The nurse best interprets this as:
A. Normal grieving process
B. Psychological death
C. Physiological death
D. Onset of respiratory failure
B. Psychological death
A patient says, “If I can just live to see my daughter graduate, I’ll be at peace.”
What is bargaining?
Asking questions that can only be answered with “yes” or “no” falls into this non-therapeutic technique.
What are closed-ended questions?
Patients who no longer respond to their environment, even though their body is functioning, are experiencing this.
What is psychological death?
A patient recently diagnosed with terminal cancer says to the nurse, “If I can just live long enough to see my son get married, I promise I’ll be a better person.” The nurse recognizes this statement as which stage of grief?
A. Denial
B. Anger
C. Bargaining
D. Acceptance
C. Bargaining
A patient yells, “Why me? This isn’t fair!” This stage is:
What is anger?
A nurse asks, “How can I support you right now?” This is an example of what type of communication?
What is therapeutic communication?
This term describes the exact point at which the heart stops beating and the body can no longer sustain life.
What is physiological (clinical/biological) death?
A patient says to the nurse, “I’m really worried about my upcoming surgery. What if something goes wrong?” Which response by the nurse demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. “Don’t worry, the surgeon does this all the time. You’ll be fine.”
B. “Why are you worried? You shouldn’t think like that.”
C. “Tell me more about what concerns you the most.”
D. “Let’s talk about something happier to take your mind off it.”
C. “Tell me more about what concerns you the most.”