When a terminally-ill client assumes artificial cheerfulness and refuses to believe that loss is happening, what stage of grieving is he in?
Explanation
Answer: C - The client is in the stage of denial, the first stage of grieving, when he demonstrates artificial cheerfulness and refuses to believe that loss is happening. This indicates that the client is unready to deal with the reality of the situation. Bargaining is the third stage wherein the client seeks to bargain to avoid loss. The client may express feeling of guilt or fear of punishment for past sins, real or imagined. Depression is the fourth stage, wherein the client grieves over what has happened and what he cannot be. The client may talk freely or may withdraw from the people trying to make contact with him. Acceptance is the last stage of the grieving process wherein the client comes to terms with loss. The client may have decreased interest in surroundings and support persons. In addition, the client may wish to begin making plans.
