Chapter 30: Dying, Death, and Grieving
Halter: Varcarolis' Foundations of
Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A
Clinical Approach, 8th Edition
1. An adult says to the nurse, "The cancer in my neck spread in only 2 months. I've been cursed
my whole life. Maybe if I had been more generous with others ..." Considering the stages of grief
described by Kübler-Ross, which stage is evident?
a. Anger
b. Denial
c. Depression
d. Bargaining - ANSANS: D
The patient's comment demonstrates an attempt to regain control. Bargaining is evidenced by
people reviewing what could have been done differently. While the person may also be
experiencing anger and depression, the comment speaks directly to bargaining. The person
shows acceptance of the disease.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)
REF: Pages 30-3, 22 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
2. Four teenagers died in an automobile accident. Six months later, which behavior by the
parents best demonstrates acceptance of the tragedy? The parents who
a. isolate themselves at home.
b. return immediately to employment.
c. forbid other teens in the household to drive a car.
d. create a scholarship fund at their child's high school. - ANSANS: D
Loss of a child is among the highest risk situations for maladaptive grieving. The parents who
create a scholarship fund are openly expressing their feelings and memorializing their child. The
other parents in this question are isolating themselves and/or denying their feelings.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
REF: Pages 30-3, 21, 42 (Box 30-5) TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
3. After a spouse's death, an adult repeatedly says, "I should have recognized what was
happening and been more helpful." This adult is experiencing
a. depression.
, b. bargaining.
c. anger.
d. guilt. - ANSANS: D
Guilt is expressed by the bereaved person's self-reproach. Anger, depression, and bargaining
cannot be assessed from data given in the scenario.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)
REF: Page 30-22 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
4. A widower tells friends, "I am taking my neighbor out for dinner. It's time for me to be more
sociable again." Considering the stages of grief described by Kübler-Ross, which stage is
evident?
a. Anger
b. Denial
c. Depression
d. Acceptance - ANSANS: D
As an individual accepts loss, the person renews interest in people and activities. The person is
seeking to move into new relationships. The patient's comment demonstrates an attempt to
regain control. Bargaining is evidenced by people reviewing what could have been done
differently. While the person may also experience occasional anger or sadness, the comment
speaks directly to acceptance.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)
REF: Pages 30-3, 22 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
5. After the death of his wife, a man says, "I can't live without her ... she was my whole life."
Select the nurse's most therapeutic reply.
a. "Each day will get a little better."
b. "Her death is a terrible loss for you."
c. "It's important to recognize that she is no longer suffering."
d. "Your friends will help you cope with this change in your life." - ANSANS: B
A statement that validates the bereaved person's loss is more helpful than commonplace
clichés. It signifies understanding. The other options are clichés.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
REF: Pages 30-7, 33 (Table 30-1), 35 (Table 30-3)
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
6. A woman just received notification that her husband died. She approaches the nurse who
cared for him during his last hours and says angrily, "If you had given him your undivided
attention, he would still be alive." Which analysis applies?
a. The comment warns of a malpractice suit.
Halter: Varcarolis' Foundations of
Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A
Clinical Approach, 8th Edition
1. An adult says to the nurse, "The cancer in my neck spread in only 2 months. I've been cursed
my whole life. Maybe if I had been more generous with others ..." Considering the stages of grief
described by Kübler-Ross, which stage is evident?
a. Anger
b. Denial
c. Depression
d. Bargaining - ANSANS: D
The patient's comment demonstrates an attempt to regain control. Bargaining is evidenced by
people reviewing what could have been done differently. While the person may also be
experiencing anger and depression, the comment speaks directly to bargaining. The person
shows acceptance of the disease.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)
REF: Pages 30-3, 22 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
2. Four teenagers died in an automobile accident. Six months later, which behavior by the
parents best demonstrates acceptance of the tragedy? The parents who
a. isolate themselves at home.
b. return immediately to employment.
c. forbid other teens in the household to drive a car.
d. create a scholarship fund at their child's high school. - ANSANS: D
Loss of a child is among the highest risk situations for maladaptive grieving. The parents who
create a scholarship fund are openly expressing their feelings and memorializing their child. The
other parents in this question are isolating themselves and/or denying their feelings.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
REF: Pages 30-3, 21, 42 (Box 30-5) TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
3. After a spouse's death, an adult repeatedly says, "I should have recognized what was
happening and been more helpful." This adult is experiencing
a. depression.
, b. bargaining.
c. anger.
d. guilt. - ANSANS: D
Guilt is expressed by the bereaved person's self-reproach. Anger, depression, and bargaining
cannot be assessed from data given in the scenario.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)
REF: Page 30-22 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
4. A widower tells friends, "I am taking my neighbor out for dinner. It's time for me to be more
sociable again." Considering the stages of grief described by Kübler-Ross, which stage is
evident?
a. Anger
b. Denial
c. Depression
d. Acceptance - ANSANS: D
As an individual accepts loss, the person renews interest in people and activities. The person is
seeking to move into new relationships. The patient's comment demonstrates an attempt to
regain control. Bargaining is evidenced by people reviewing what could have been done
differently. While the person may also experience occasional anger or sadness, the comment
speaks directly to acceptance.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)
REF: Pages 30-3, 22 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
5. After the death of his wife, a man says, "I can't live without her ... she was my whole life."
Select the nurse's most therapeutic reply.
a. "Each day will get a little better."
b. "Her death is a terrible loss for you."
c. "It's important to recognize that she is no longer suffering."
d. "Your friends will help you cope with this change in your life." - ANSANS: B
A statement that validates the bereaved person's loss is more helpful than commonplace
clichés. It signifies understanding. The other options are clichés.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
REF: Pages 30-7, 33 (Table 30-1), 35 (Table 30-3)
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
6. A woman just received notification that her husband died. She approaches the nurse who
cared for him during his last hours and says angrily, "If you had given him your undivided
attention, he would still be alive." Which analysis applies?
a. The comment warns of a malpractice suit.
