Vocabulary Related

Review Vocabulary related questions and content

A note in the patients' medical record states 'ANTICIPATORY GRIEVING,' which patient situation below explains this type of grieving?

  • A. A patient who has just given birth to twins following a long labor
  • B. A patient who will have their left leg amputated below the knee tomorrow
  • C. A patient experiencing pain during a physical therapy session
  • D. A patient who will be discharged tomorrow after two months of being hospitalized
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Anticipatory grieving refers to the process of mourning, coping, and emotional responses that occur when an individual is anticipating a significant loss. In this case, the patient who is facing the imminent amputation of their left leg below the knee is experiencing anticipatory grieving as they are preparing themselves emotionally for the loss that is about to occur. The other options do not involve a clear anticipation of a significant loss, making them less relevant to the concept of anticipatory grieving.