Grief

Which of the following is most likely to initiate a grief response in an individual? (Select all that apply.)

• Death of a pet dog

• Being told by her doctor that she has begun menopause

• Failing an examination

• Losing a spouse through divorce

Nancy, who is dying of cancer, says to the nurse, “I just want to see my new grandbaby. If only God will let me live until she is born. Then I’ll be ready to go.” This is an example of which of Kübler-Ross’s stages of grief?

• Denial

• Anger

• Bargaining

• Acceptance

Which of the following is thought to facilitate the grief process?

• The ability to grieve in anticipation of the loss

• The ability to grieve alone without interference from others

• Having recently grieved for another loss

• Taking personal responsibility for the loss

When Frank’s wife of 34 years dies, he is very stoic, handles all the funeral arrangements, doesn’t cry or appear sad, and comforts all of the other family members in their grief. Two years later, when Frank’s best friend dies, Frank has sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, loss of weight, and difficulty performing on his job. This is an example of which of the following maladaptive responses to loss?

• Delayed grieving

• Distorted grieving

• Prolonged grieving

• Exaggerated grieving

A major difference between normal and maladaptive grieving has been identified by which of the following?

• There are no feelings of depression in normal grieving.

• There is no loss of self-esteem in normal grieving.

• Normal grieving lasts no longer than 1 year.

• In normal grief, the person does not show anger toward the loss.

Which grief reaction can the nurse anticipate in a 10-year-old child?

• Statements that the deceased person will soon return

• Regressive behaviors, such as loss of bladder control

• A preoccupation with the loss

• Thinking that he or she may have done something to cause the death

Which of the following is a correct statement when attempting to distinguish normal grief from clinical depression?

• In clinical depression, anhedonia is prevalent.

• In normal grieving, the person has generalized feelings of guilt.

• The person who is clinically depressed relates feelings of depression to a specific loss.

• In normal grieving, there is a persistent state of dysphoria.