loss and grief Flashcards
actual vs perceived loss
death of family vs rejection by someone
physical vs psychological loss
amputation, loss of function vs loss of trust
external vs internal loss
loss of home/car from tragedy vs individualized feelings, not everyone can see or feel
loss of aspects of self
occurs through physical trauma, mental trauma, etc
environmental loss
moving to another home (previous home memories)
loss of significant relationships
loss of a spouse, family member, close friend
anticipatory loss
begins before actual loss, but people around know that the loss is coming (terminal illness)
ambiguous loss
inolves incomplete or uncertain losses
first type of ambiguous loss
loved one who is psychologically present but physically absent; person is on your mind because they are gone (missing soldiers, abducted children)
second type of ambiguous loss
loved one is physically present but psychologically absent (addicts, dementia pts, people with mental disorders or head trauma)
why is ambiguous loss the most devastating type of loss?
due to its unconfirmed and hazy nature
who created the psychological stages of dying and grief?
Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
what is common 1-3 months before death?
person begins to withdraw from the people around them, sleeping longer, appetite decreases
what is common 1-2 weeks before death?
cardiovascular changes (decrease pulse and BP), decreased respiratory rate, congestion
what is common days to hours before death?
person is dehydrated, difficulty swallowing/ drooling, weak or fatigued
what is common moments before death?
short series of long and spaced breaths, sense of hearing will be active (last sense to go)
what are the five stages of grief?
Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance
what is expected in denial?
person is dying and cannot believe it is happening to them
what is expected in anger?
person acts out in anger towards family/HCP; “why me?”
what is expected in bargaining?
person “sets a goal” to live to see a certain event then is ok with passing
what is expected in depression?
person is withdrawn with sadness and beginning to realize the impact of their death
what is expected in acceptance?
person is coming to terms with their death and are ok with it
if a person is griefing, what might indicate the duration of mourning will be extensive?
if their personality is dependent or avoidant
violent or untimely losses may create what to someone?
shock and a great sense of injustice
