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End-of-Life Care

Mrs. Finney seems calm and is putting her affairs in order and making arrangements for her loved ones. The stage of grief that she is experiencing is:

From CNA Exam Texas Practice Test

Answer choices

  1. A acceptance
  2. B bargaining
  3. C denial
  4. D depression

Correct answer: A. acceptance

Clinical Rationale

Mrs. Finney is experiencing acceptance.

Acceptance is the final stage of grief, where individuals come to terms with their loss and begin to make peace with it. In this stage, people often start to put their affairs in order and make arrangements for their loved ones, indicating they are ready to move forward.

A) acceptance

Acceptance involves recognizing the reality of the loss and finding ways to cope with it. Mrs. Finney’s calm demeanor and efforts to organize her affairs suggest that she has reached a level of understanding and is ready to face life after her loss, embodying the characteristics of this stage.

B) bargaining

Bargaining is characterized by attempts to regain control or negotiate for a different outcome, often involving thoughts of "if only" or making deals with a higher power. Mrs. Finney’s actions do not indicate a desire to revert to a previous state or negotiate her circumstances, making this choice inappropriate.

C) denial

Denial occurs when individuals refuse to accept the reality of the loss, often exhibiting shock or disbelief. Mrs. Finney’s calmness and proactive behavior contrast sharply with denial, which would typically manifest as avoidance or emotional numbness, thus ruling out this option.

D) depression

Depression in the grieving process is marked by profound sadness, withdrawal, and a lack of energy or motivation. While grief can involve moments of sadness, Mrs. Finney’s organization and calm suggest she is not in a depressive state, as she is actively taking steps toward acceptance.

Conclusion

Mrs. Finney's actions and emotional state clearly align with the acceptance stage of grief, where she comes to terms with her loss and prepares for the future. The other stages—bargaining, denial, and depression—do not fit her current mindset or behavior, illustrating the unique characteristics of acceptance in the grieving process.

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