NCLEX-RNPsychosocial IntegrityMedium
A client with terminal cancer says to the nurse, "I know I'm dying, but I keep praying that if I just eat healthier, I'll be cured." The nurse recognizes this statement as reflecting which stage of grief and responds most therapeutically by saying which of the following?
- A"There's no evidence that diet will cure your cancer."
- B"It sounds like you're hoping for more time and control over your situation."
- C"You need to accept that you are dying."
- D"Have you talked to your doctor about a new treatment plan?"
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. "It sounds like you're hoping for more time and control over your situation."
This statement reflects the bargaining stage of grief, where the client attempts to regain control or more time. The therapeutic response acknowledges the underlying feelings (hope, need for control) without confronting or dismissing the client's coping mechanism.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This bluntly dismisses the client's coping mechanism without addressing feelings.
- C. This is confrontational and disregards the client's current coping process.
- D. This deflects to a medical solution rather than addressing the emotional need.
Bargaining Stage of Grief
A grief stage in which the person attempts to negotiate, delay, or regain control over the loss, often through promises or 'if only' statements.
- Common in terminal illness ('if I do X, I'll be cured')
- Therapeutic response validates underlying emotion
- Avoid confrontation or dismissal of the coping behavior
- Not all clients progress through stages linearly
Memory trick: Validate the wish, don't crush the hope.