Galen College of Nursing NUR 253 Exam 2 (pdf) | 2026/2027 | Mental
Health Q&A | Mental Health Nursing
1. A client whose spouse died 6 months ago tells the nurse, "I still can't
believe he's gone. I keep expecting him to walk through the door." The nurse
recognizes this statement as characteristic of which stage of grief according
to Kübler-Ross?
A) Anger
B) Denial
C) Bargaining
D) Depression
Correct Answer: Denial
Rationale: Denial is the first stage of Kübler-Ross's grief model, characterized
by shock and disbelief. The client's statement about expecting their spouse
to return indicates they are struggling to accept the reality of the loss. This
defense mechanism serves as a buffer against the initial shock.
2. A hospice nurse is caring for a client with terminal cancer. The client
states, "If I can just live long enough to see my granddaughter get married,
I'll be at peace." This statement is consistent with which stage of grief?
A) Denial
B) Anger
C) Bargaining
D) Acceptance
Correct Answer: Bargaining
Rationale: Bargaining is a stage where the individual attempts to negotiate a
delay or change in the outcome. The client is trying to make a deal for more
,time to reach a meaningful milestone. This is a normal response when facing
an inevitable loss.
3. A nurse is providing post-mortem care to a client who has died. The family
member states, "This is all the doctor's fault. They should have done more."
The nurse recognizes this statement as reflecting which stage of grief?
A) Denial
B) Anger
C) Bargaining
D) Acceptance
Correct Answer: Anger
Rationale: Anger is a common stage of grief where the individual directs
frustration and rage at others, including healthcare providers. This anger
often masks deeper feelings of helplessness and pain. The nurse should
respond with empathy and avoid taking the anger personally.
4. A client whose child died suddenly is withdrawn, refuses visitors, and
states, "There's no point in anything anymore." The nurse identifies this as
which stage of grief?
A) Denial
B) Anger
C) Bargaining
D) Depression
Correct Answer: Depression
Rationale: Depression in grief is characterized by profound sadness,
withdrawal, and a sense of hopelessness. The client's statement about there
,being "no point" reflects the deep despair that accompanies this stage. This
is a normal, though painful, part of the grieving process.
5. A client who lost their spouse 2 years ago continues to experience intense
grief, is unable to function at work, and has withdrawn from all social
activities. The nurse suspects which type of grief?
A) Anticipatory grief
B) Disenfranchised grief
C) Complicated grief
D) Normal grief
Correct Answer: Complicated grief
Rationale: Complicated grief is characterized by prolonged, intense grief that
impairs daily functioning. When grief extends beyond 6-12 months and
prevents the individual from resuming normal activities, it is considered
complicated and may require professional intervention.
6. A client's spouse is diagnosed with a terminal illness. The client states,
"I've already started saying goodbye in my own way." The nurse recognizes
this as:
A) Complicated grief
B) Anticipatory grief
C) Disenfranchised grief
D) Delayed grief
Correct Answer: Anticipatory grief
Rationale: Anticipatory grief occurs before an actual loss, when the individual
begins to grieve in advance of the impending death. It allows for a gradual
, process of letting go and saying goodbye. This is a normal response to a
loved one's terminal diagnosis.
7. A client who experienced a miscarriage is told by a friend, "You can always
have another baby." The nurse recognizes that this client may be
experiencing:
A) Complicated grief
B) Anticipatory grief
C) Disenfranchised grief
D) Normal grief
Correct Answer: Disenfranchised grief
Rationale: Disenfranchised grief is grief that is not socially recognized or
supported. Pregnancy loss, particularly early miscarriage, is often minimized
by others, leaving the grieving person without adequate social support. This
can complicate the grieving process.
8. A nurse is caring for a client who is newly bereaved. Which statement by
the nurse is most therapeutic?
A) "You should be grateful for the time you had together."
B) "I understand exactly how you feel."
C) "Tell me more about what you are experiencing right now."
D) "It's time to move on with your life."
Correct Answer: "Tell me more about what you are experiencing right now."
Rationale: This open-ended statement invites the client to explore and
express their feelings. It demonstrates empathy and allows the client to
Health Q&A | Mental Health Nursing
1. A client whose spouse died 6 months ago tells the nurse, "I still can't
believe he's gone. I keep expecting him to walk through the door." The nurse
recognizes this statement as characteristic of which stage of grief according
to Kübler-Ross?
A) Anger
B) Denial
C) Bargaining
D) Depression
Correct Answer: Denial
Rationale: Denial is the first stage of Kübler-Ross's grief model, characterized
by shock and disbelief. The client's statement about expecting their spouse
to return indicates they are struggling to accept the reality of the loss. This
defense mechanism serves as a buffer against the initial shock.
2. A hospice nurse is caring for a client with terminal cancer. The client
states, "If I can just live long enough to see my granddaughter get married,
I'll be at peace." This statement is consistent with which stage of grief?
A) Denial
B) Anger
C) Bargaining
D) Acceptance
Correct Answer: Bargaining
Rationale: Bargaining is a stage where the individual attempts to negotiate a
delay or change in the outcome. The client is trying to make a deal for more
,time to reach a meaningful milestone. This is a normal response when facing
an inevitable loss.
3. A nurse is providing post-mortem care to a client who has died. The family
member states, "This is all the doctor's fault. They should have done more."
The nurse recognizes this statement as reflecting which stage of grief?
A) Denial
B) Anger
C) Bargaining
D) Acceptance
Correct Answer: Anger
Rationale: Anger is a common stage of grief where the individual directs
frustration and rage at others, including healthcare providers. This anger
often masks deeper feelings of helplessness and pain. The nurse should
respond with empathy and avoid taking the anger personally.
4. A client whose child died suddenly is withdrawn, refuses visitors, and
states, "There's no point in anything anymore." The nurse identifies this as
which stage of grief?
A) Denial
B) Anger
C) Bargaining
D) Depression
Correct Answer: Depression
Rationale: Depression in grief is characterized by profound sadness,
withdrawal, and a sense of hopelessness. The client's statement about there
,being "no point" reflects the deep despair that accompanies this stage. This
is a normal, though painful, part of the grieving process.
5. A client who lost their spouse 2 years ago continues to experience intense
grief, is unable to function at work, and has withdrawn from all social
activities. The nurse suspects which type of grief?
A) Anticipatory grief
B) Disenfranchised grief
C) Complicated grief
D) Normal grief
Correct Answer: Complicated grief
Rationale: Complicated grief is characterized by prolonged, intense grief that
impairs daily functioning. When grief extends beyond 6-12 months and
prevents the individual from resuming normal activities, it is considered
complicated and may require professional intervention.
6. A client's spouse is diagnosed with a terminal illness. The client states,
"I've already started saying goodbye in my own way." The nurse recognizes
this as:
A) Complicated grief
B) Anticipatory grief
C) Disenfranchised grief
D) Delayed grief
Correct Answer: Anticipatory grief
Rationale: Anticipatory grief occurs before an actual loss, when the individual
begins to grieve in advance of the impending death. It allows for a gradual
, process of letting go and saying goodbye. This is a normal response to a
loved one's terminal diagnosis.
7. A client who experienced a miscarriage is told by a friend, "You can always
have another baby." The nurse recognizes that this client may be
experiencing:
A) Complicated grief
B) Anticipatory grief
C) Disenfranchised grief
D) Normal grief
Correct Answer: Disenfranchised grief
Rationale: Disenfranchised grief is grief that is not socially recognized or
supported. Pregnancy loss, particularly early miscarriage, is often minimized
by others, leaving the grieving person without adequate social support. This
can complicate the grieving process.
8. A nurse is caring for a client who is newly bereaved. Which statement by
the nurse is most therapeutic?
A) "You should be grateful for the time you had together."
B) "I understand exactly how you feel."
C) "Tell me more about what you are experiencing right now."
D) "It's time to move on with your life."
Correct Answer: "Tell me more about what you are experiencing right now."
Rationale: This open-ended statement invites the client to explore and
express their feelings. It demonstrates empathy and allows the client to
