CNA Certification (Written Exam)Communication and Psychosocial NeedsHard
A family member of a terminally ill resident repeatedly insists, 'The doctors are wrong, she's going to be just fine,' despite a confirmed terminal diagnosis. This reaction most likely reflects which stage of grief, and how should the nurse aide respond?
- ABargaining; the aide should encourage the family to negotiate with the physician
- BAnger; the aide should set firm limits on the family member's behavior
- CDenial; the aide should listen supportively without arguing or forcing acceptance
- DDepression; the aide should suggest immediate medication for the family member
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Denial; the aide should listen supportively without arguing or forcing acceptance
Denial, the first stage in Kübler-Ross's model, involves refusing to accept the reality of a terminal diagnosis as a protective coping mechanism. The nurse aide should listen with empathy and avoid arguing or forcing the family member to accept the truth before they are ready.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Bargaining involves attempts to negotiate for more time or a different outcome, not refusal to believe facts.
- B. Anger typically involves visible frustration or blame, not disbelief of the diagnosis.
- D. Depression involves sadness and withdrawal, not denial of the diagnosis, and aides cannot prescribe medication.
Denial Stage of Grief
The first Kübler-Ross stage where a person refuses to believe or accept a terminal diagnosis as a coping mechanism.
- Protects the person from immediate emotional pain
- Nurse aide should listen without arguing
- Part of the five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance
Memory trick: DABDA — Denial comes first, like closing your eyes to bad news.