NCLEX-RNPsychosocial IntegrityEasy
A client whose spouse died 2 weeks ago tells the nurse, "It's not fair, why did this happen to us? We had so many plans." According to Kübler-Ross, which stage of grief is this client demonstrating?
- ABargaining
- BAnger
- CDepression
- DDenial
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Anger
Statements expressing that a loss is unfair reflect the anger stage of grief, in which the individual feels resentment about the situation. Bargaining involves 'if only' or 'what if' statements seeking to undo the loss.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Bargaining involves attempting to negotiate or make deals to reverse the loss.
- C. Depression involves sadness and withdrawal, not statements of unfairness.
- D. Denial involves refusing to accept the loss occurred, not expressing unfairness.
Kübler-Ross Stages of Grief
A model describing five stages people may experience when facing loss: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
- Stages are not always sequential or universal
- Anger often involves statements of unfairness or blame
- Bargaining involves 'if only' statements
- Acceptance means coming to terms with the loss
Memory trick: DABDA: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance.