2/4/2026
Chapter 30 Dying, Death, and Grieving Halter Varcarolis' Foundations of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing A Clinical Approach, 10th Edition.pdf
Page 1 of 20
1. An adult says to the nurse, "The cancer in my neck spread in only 2 months. I've been cursed my
whole life. Maybe if I had been more generous with others ..." Considering the stages of grief described
by Kübler-Ross, which stage is evident?
a. Anger
b. Denial
c. Depression
d. Bargaining ANS: D
The patient's comment demonstrates an attempt to regain control. Bargaining is evidenced by people
reviewing what could have been done differently. While the person may also be experiencing anger and
depression, the comment speaks directly to bargaining. The person shows acceptance of the disease.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)
REF: Pages 30-3, 22 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
1. Which actions by a nurse are most appropriate when caring for a hospice patient? (Select all that
apply.)
a. Giving choices
b. Fostering personal control
c. Explaining curative options
d. Supporting the patient's spirituality
e. Offering interventions that convey respect
f. Providing answers to the patient's questions about spirituality ANS: A, B, D, E
1 VARCAROLI’S CHAPTER 22 SUBSTANCE RELATED AND ADDICTIVE DISORDERS!@!!
ChapterChapter
30 Dying,
30 Death,
Dying, and
Death,
Grieving
and Grieving
Halter Varcarolis'
Halter Varcarolis'
Foundations
Foundations
of Psychiatric
of Psychiatric
Mental Health
Mental Nursing
Health Nursing
A Clinical
A Clinical
Approach,
Approach,
10th Edition.pdf
10th Edition
2/4/2026
,2/4/2026
Chapter 30 Dying, Death, and Grieving Halter Varcarolis' Foundations of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing A Clinical Approach, 10th Edition.pdf
Page 2 of 20
The correct answers support the rights and choices of the dying individual. Acting on false information
robs a patient of the opportunity for honest dialogue and places barriers to achieving end-of-life
developmental opportunities. The nurse supports the patient's spirituality but does not have the
answers to all questions.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
REF: Pages 30-6, 11 to 13, 42 (Box 30-5)
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
10. A patient with a new diagnosis of cancer says, "My father died of pancreatic cancer. I took care of
him during his illness, so I know what is ahead for me." Which nursing diagnosis applies?
a. Anticipatory grieving
b. Ineffective coping
c. Ineffective denial
d. Spiritual distress ANS: A
The patient's experience demonstrates anticipatory grieving. The other diagnoses may apply but are not
supported by the comment.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
REF: Pages 30-17, 18 TOP: Nursing Process: Diagnosis/Analysis
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
11. A nurse talks with a woman who recently learned that her husband died while jogging. Select the
appropriate statement for the nurse.
a. "At least your husband did not suffer."
b. "It's better to go quickly as your husband did."
c. "Your husband's loss must be very painful for you."
d. "You will begin to feel better after you get over the shock." ANS: C
The most helpful responses by others validate the bereaved person's experience of loss. Avoid clichés,
because they are ineffective.
2 VARCAROLI’S CHAPTER 22 SUBSTANCE RELATED AND ADDICTIVE DISORDERS!@!!
ChapterChapter
30 Dying,
30 Death,
Dying, and
Death,
Grieving
and Grieving
Halter Varcarolis'
Halter Varcarolis'
Foundations
Foundations
of Psychiatric
of Psychiatric
Mental Health
Mental Nursing
Health Nursing
A Clinical
A Clinical
Approach,
Approach,
10th Edition.pdf
10th Edition
2/4/2026
, 2/4/2026
Chapter 30 Dying, Death, and Grieving Halter Varcarolis' Foundations of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing A Clinical Approach, 10th Edition.pdf
Page 3 of 20
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
REF: Pages 30-7, 33 (Table 30-1), 35 (Table 30-3)
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
12. Family members ask the nurse, "What can we say when our loved one says, 'Death is coming soon?'"
To promote communication, which response could the nurse suggest for family members?
a. "We feel sad when we think about life without you."
b. "We have not given up on getting you well."
c. "We think you will be around for a long time yet."
d. "Let's talk about the good memories we have." ANS: A
The correct response is emotionally honest. It allows the family opportunities to express emotions,
address issues in the relationship, and say farewell. The distracters are evasive.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
REF: Pages 30-7, 33 (Table 30-1), 35 (Table 30-3), 42 (Box 30-5)
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
13. Which finding indicates successful completion of an individual's grief and mourning?
a. For 2 years after her husband's death, a widow has kept her husband's belongings in their usual
places.
b. After 15 months, a widower realistically remembers both the pleasures and disappointments of his
relationship with his wife.
c. Three years after her husband's death, the widow talks about her husband as if he is alive and weeps
when others mention his name.
d. Eighteen months after a spouse's death, an adult says, "I have never cried or had feelings of loss, even
though we were very close." ANS: B
The goals of mourning have evolved from doing the grief work, getting over it, and moving on with life.
The work of grieving is over when the bereaved person can remember the individual realistically and
acknowledge both the pleasure and disappointments associated with the loved one. The individual is
then free to enter into new relationships and activities. The incorrect options suggest maladaptive grief.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
3 VARCAROLI’S CHAPTER 22 SUBSTANCE RELATED AND ADDICTIVE DISORDERS!@!!
ChapterChapter
30 Dying,
30 Death,
Dying, and
Death,
Grieving
and Grieving
Halter Varcarolis'
Halter Varcarolis'
Foundations
Foundations
of Psychiatric
of Psychiatric
Mental Health
Mental Nursing
Health Nursing
A Clinical
A Clinical
Approach,
Approach,
10th Edition.pdf
10th Edition
2/4/2026
Chapter 30 Dying, Death, and Grieving Halter Varcarolis' Foundations of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing A Clinical Approach, 10th Edition.pdf
Page 1 of 20
1. An adult says to the nurse, "The cancer in my neck spread in only 2 months. I've been cursed my
whole life. Maybe if I had been more generous with others ..." Considering the stages of grief described
by Kübler-Ross, which stage is evident?
a. Anger
b. Denial
c. Depression
d. Bargaining ANS: D
The patient's comment demonstrates an attempt to regain control. Bargaining is evidenced by people
reviewing what could have been done differently. While the person may also be experiencing anger and
depression, the comment speaks directly to bargaining. The person shows acceptance of the disease.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension)
REF: Pages 30-3, 22 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
1. Which actions by a nurse are most appropriate when caring for a hospice patient? (Select all that
apply.)
a. Giving choices
b. Fostering personal control
c. Explaining curative options
d. Supporting the patient's spirituality
e. Offering interventions that convey respect
f. Providing answers to the patient's questions about spirituality ANS: A, B, D, E
1 VARCAROLI’S CHAPTER 22 SUBSTANCE RELATED AND ADDICTIVE DISORDERS!@!!
ChapterChapter
30 Dying,
30 Death,
Dying, and
Death,
Grieving
and Grieving
Halter Varcarolis'
Halter Varcarolis'
Foundations
Foundations
of Psychiatric
of Psychiatric
Mental Health
Mental Nursing
Health Nursing
A Clinical
A Clinical
Approach,
Approach,
10th Edition.pdf
10th Edition
2/4/2026
,2/4/2026
Chapter 30 Dying, Death, and Grieving Halter Varcarolis' Foundations of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing A Clinical Approach, 10th Edition.pdf
Page 2 of 20
The correct answers support the rights and choices of the dying individual. Acting on false information
robs a patient of the opportunity for honest dialogue and places barriers to achieving end-of-life
developmental opportunities. The nurse supports the patient's spirituality but does not have the
answers to all questions.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
REF: Pages 30-6, 11 to 13, 42 (Box 30-5)
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
10. A patient with a new diagnosis of cancer says, "My father died of pancreatic cancer. I took care of
him during his illness, so I know what is ahead for me." Which nursing diagnosis applies?
a. Anticipatory grieving
b. Ineffective coping
c. Ineffective denial
d. Spiritual distress ANS: A
The patient's experience demonstrates anticipatory grieving. The other diagnoses may apply but are not
supported by the comment.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
REF: Pages 30-17, 18 TOP: Nursing Process: Diagnosis/Analysis
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
11. A nurse talks with a woman who recently learned that her husband died while jogging. Select the
appropriate statement for the nurse.
a. "At least your husband did not suffer."
b. "It's better to go quickly as your husband did."
c. "Your husband's loss must be very painful for you."
d. "You will begin to feel better after you get over the shock." ANS: C
The most helpful responses by others validate the bereaved person's experience of loss. Avoid clichés,
because they are ineffective.
2 VARCAROLI’S CHAPTER 22 SUBSTANCE RELATED AND ADDICTIVE DISORDERS!@!!
ChapterChapter
30 Dying,
30 Death,
Dying, and
Death,
Grieving
and Grieving
Halter Varcarolis'
Halter Varcarolis'
Foundations
Foundations
of Psychiatric
of Psychiatric
Mental Health
Mental Nursing
Health Nursing
A Clinical
A Clinical
Approach,
Approach,
10th Edition.pdf
10th Edition
2/4/2026
, 2/4/2026
Chapter 30 Dying, Death, and Grieving Halter Varcarolis' Foundations of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing A Clinical Approach, 10th Edition.pdf
Page 3 of 20
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
REF: Pages 30-7, 33 (Table 30-1), 35 (Table 30-3)
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
12. Family members ask the nurse, "What can we say when our loved one says, 'Death is coming soon?'"
To promote communication, which response could the nurse suggest for family members?
a. "We feel sad when we think about life without you."
b. "We have not given up on getting you well."
c. "We think you will be around for a long time yet."
d. "Let's talk about the good memories we have." ANS: A
The correct response is emotionally honest. It allows the family opportunities to express emotions,
address issues in the relationship, and say farewell. The distracters are evasive.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
REF: Pages 30-7, 33 (Table 30-1), 35 (Table 30-3), 42 (Box 30-5)
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
13. Which finding indicates successful completion of an individual's grief and mourning?
a. For 2 years after her husband's death, a widow has kept her husband's belongings in their usual
places.
b. After 15 months, a widower realistically remembers both the pleasures and disappointments of his
relationship with his wife.
c. Three years after her husband's death, the widow talks about her husband as if he is alive and weeps
when others mention his name.
d. Eighteen months after a spouse's death, an adult says, "I have never cried or had feelings of loss, even
though we were very close." ANS: B
The goals of mourning have evolved from doing the grief work, getting over it, and moving on with life.
The work of grieving is over when the bereaved person can remember the individual realistically and
acknowledge both the pleasure and disappointments associated with the loved one. The individual is
then free to enter into new relationships and activities. The incorrect options suggest maladaptive grief.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application)
3 VARCAROLI’S CHAPTER 22 SUBSTANCE RELATED AND ADDICTIVE DISORDERS!@!!
ChapterChapter
30 Dying,
30 Death,
Dying, and
Death,
Grieving
and Grieving
Halter Varcarolis'
Halter Varcarolis'
Foundations
Foundations
of Psychiatric
of Psychiatric
Mental Health
Mental Nursing
Health Nursing
A Clinical
A Clinical
Approach,
Approach,
10th Edition.pdf
10th Edition
2/4/2026
