ATI 133 Mental Health Final Exam Related

Review ATI 133 Mental Health Final Exam related questions and content

A nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with end-stage liver cancer. The nurse recognizes that which of the following responses is an indication that the client is in the denial phase of the grief process?

  • A. I can't believe the doctor graduated from medical school. He doesn't know a thing about treating cancer!
  • B. Even though I am not hurting right now, I don't feel like I have the energy to get out of bed.
  • C. The doctor says I only have a few months to live, but I know he is exaggerating to get me to take my medication.
  • D. The doctor has been so good to me. I know he has tried everything he can. It's just my time.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. In this response, the client is demonstrating denial by refusing to accept the doctor's prognosis of having only a few months to live. This indicates an inability to acknowledge the severity of the situation, a common characteristic of the denial phase in the grief process. The client's belief that the doctor is exaggerating shows a defense mechanism to cope with the overwhelming truth. Options A, B, and D do not exemplify denial. Option A shows anger, Option B indicates depression, and Option D reflects acceptance and resignation, which are not characteristics of denial in the grief process.