grief_reaction_flashcards
What is a normal response to the death of a loved one?
Feeling sadness and grief.
What can help determine whether a patient is having a ‘normal’ grief reaction or a more significant problem?
Understanding the potential stages of grief.
What are the 5 stages of grief according to a popular model?
Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance.
What may occur during the denial stage of grief?
Feelings of numbness, pseudohallucinations of the deceased, focusing on physical objects that remind them of their loved one, or preparing meals for them.
Who is anger commonly directed against during the grief process?
Other family members and medical professionals.
What are the risk factors for abnormal or atypical grief reactions?
Being a woman, sudden and unexpected death, problematic relationship before death, and lack of social support.
What is delayed grief?
Grief that begins more than 2 weeks after the death.
What is prolonged grief?
Grief that lasts beyond 12 months, although it is difficult to define.
Are all patients expected to go through all 5 stages of grief?
No, many patients will not go through all 5 stages.
