TOPIC PRACTICE TEST • 2026/2027
NR226
Loss, Grief &
End-of-Life Care
70-Question Practice Test
Loss and grief concepts, therapeutic communication, palliative and hospice care,
advance directives, comfort-focused symptom management, cultural and spiritual care,
final-hours nursing, postmortem care, bereavement, ethics, and prioritization.
70 A-D 70
Practice Questions Multiple Choice Immediate Explanations
Original study and revision material • Clean print-ready format
, NR226 Loss, Grief & End-of-Life Care
70 original questions with the answer and explanation immediately after every question.
Instructions: Select the best answer for each question. The correct answer and detailed explanation appear
immediately after every item. Questions are original and focus on loss and grief, therapeutic communication, palliative
and hospice care, advance directives, comfort care, final-hours symptoms, cultural and spiritual care, postmortem care,
bereavement, and clinical judgment.
Loss & Grief Concepts
1 Which statement best describes grief?
A An individual response to an actual, anticipated, or perceived loss
B A predictable five-step process that everyone completes in order
C A response that should resolve within a fixed number of days
D A mental illness that occurs after every loss
Answer: A. An individual response to an actual, anticipated, or perceived loss
Explanation: Grief is a highly individual response influenced by the type of loss, culture, relationships, coping style, support,
and previous experiences. It does not follow one fixed timetable or sequence.
2 Which situation is the best example of anticipatory grief?
A A spouse begins grieving after learning a partner has a terminal illness
B A client mourns a pet that died years ago
C A student feels disappointed after failing an exam
D A parent grieves after a child's death occurred yesterday
Answer: A. A spouse begins grieving after learning a partner has a terminal illness
Explanation: Anticipatory grief begins before an expected loss and can occur when death, disability, or another major change
is foreseeable.
NR226 • Loss, Grief & End-of-Life Care • 70 Questions Page 2
, 3 Which term refers to the outward expression of grief shaped by personal and cultural practices?
A Mourning
B Denial only
C Delirium
D Resilience
Answer: A. Mourning
Explanation: Mourning is the outward or social expression of grief. Rituals, clothing, ceremonies, prayer, silence, and family
customs can all be part of mourning.
4 Which statement about stage models of grief is most accurate?
A Every grieving person must move through five stages in the same order
B Acceptance always occurs within one month
C Denial means the person is coping incorrectly
D People may experience reactions in different orders, repeat them, or not experience all of them
Answer: D. People may experience reactions in different orders, repeat them, or not experience all of them
Explanation: Stage models can describe common reactions but should not be used as rigid rules. Grief is individualized and
often nonlinear.
5 Which loss is best classified as a perceived loss?
A Removal of a kidney
B Death of a spouse
C Loss of independence after needing assistance with bathing
D Surgical amputation of a leg
Answer: C. Loss of independence after needing assistance with bathing
Explanation: Perceived losses are real to the individual even though they may be less visible to others, such as loss of
independence, role, identity, or self-esteem.
NR226 • Loss, Grief & End-of-Life Care • 70 Questions Page 3
NR226
Loss, Grief &
End-of-Life Care
70-Question Practice Test
Loss and grief concepts, therapeutic communication, palliative and hospice care,
advance directives, comfort-focused symptom management, cultural and spiritual care,
final-hours nursing, postmortem care, bereavement, ethics, and prioritization.
70 A-D 70
Practice Questions Multiple Choice Immediate Explanations
Original study and revision material • Clean print-ready format
, NR226 Loss, Grief & End-of-Life Care
70 original questions with the answer and explanation immediately after every question.
Instructions: Select the best answer for each question. The correct answer and detailed explanation appear
immediately after every item. Questions are original and focus on loss and grief, therapeutic communication, palliative
and hospice care, advance directives, comfort care, final-hours symptoms, cultural and spiritual care, postmortem care,
bereavement, and clinical judgment.
Loss & Grief Concepts
1 Which statement best describes grief?
A An individual response to an actual, anticipated, or perceived loss
B A predictable five-step process that everyone completes in order
C A response that should resolve within a fixed number of days
D A mental illness that occurs after every loss
Answer: A. An individual response to an actual, anticipated, or perceived loss
Explanation: Grief is a highly individual response influenced by the type of loss, culture, relationships, coping style, support,
and previous experiences. It does not follow one fixed timetable or sequence.
2 Which situation is the best example of anticipatory grief?
A A spouse begins grieving after learning a partner has a terminal illness
B A client mourns a pet that died years ago
C A student feels disappointed after failing an exam
D A parent grieves after a child's death occurred yesterday
Answer: A. A spouse begins grieving after learning a partner has a terminal illness
Explanation: Anticipatory grief begins before an expected loss and can occur when death, disability, or another major change
is foreseeable.
NR226 • Loss, Grief & End-of-Life Care • 70 Questions Page 2
, 3 Which term refers to the outward expression of grief shaped by personal and cultural practices?
A Mourning
B Denial only
C Delirium
D Resilience
Answer: A. Mourning
Explanation: Mourning is the outward or social expression of grief. Rituals, clothing, ceremonies, prayer, silence, and family
customs can all be part of mourning.
4 Which statement about stage models of grief is most accurate?
A Every grieving person must move through five stages in the same order
B Acceptance always occurs within one month
C Denial means the person is coping incorrectly
D People may experience reactions in different orders, repeat them, or not experience all of them
Answer: D. People may experience reactions in different orders, repeat them, or not experience all of them
Explanation: Stage models can describe common reactions but should not be used as rigid rules. Grief is individualized and
often nonlinear.
5 Which loss is best classified as a perceived loss?
A Removal of a kidney
B Death of a spouse
C Loss of independence after needing assistance with bathing
D Surgical amputation of a leg
Answer: C. Loss of independence after needing assistance with bathing
Explanation: Perceived losses are real to the individual even though they may be less visible to others, such as loss of
independence, role, identity, or self-esteem.
NR226 • Loss, Grief & End-of-Life Care • 70 Questions Page 3
