Question 1

Calvin is contemplating imminent death after failed attempts to cure his condition. He cries frequently and often refuses visitors. Which of Kübler-Ross' stages of grief does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Calvin's behavior and emotions indicate that he is going through the stage of depression, where he is experiencing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and withdrawal from others.

Question 2

Hanna stares out the hospital window and wonders why she has to die. She snaps at a worker who arrives to gather her food tray. Which of Kübler-Ross' stages of grief does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Hanna's snapping at the worker demonstrates anger, which is one of the five stages of grief according to Kübler-Ross.

Question 3

Kay knows the end is near. She is calm and ready to let go of her earthly cares. Which of Kübler-Ross' stages of grief does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Kay's calmness and readiness to let go indicate that she has reached the stage of acceptance in Kübler-Ross' stages of grief.

Question 4

During which life stage is the rate of suicide the highest in the United States?

Accepted Answer

According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the rate of suicide in the United States is highest among those aged 45-64, followed by those aged 75 and older. Adolescents and those aged 25-44 have lower rates of suicide in comparison.

Question 5

Which of the following lists Kübler-Ross' stages of dying in the correct order?

Accepted Answer

This is the correct order of Kübler-Ross' stages of dying. The first stage is denial and isolation, followed by anger, bargaining, depression, and finally acceptance. Option B has the correct stages but in the wrong order, Option C has an extra stage of grief which is not part of Kübler-Ross' model, and Option D has the stages in the wrong order as well.

Question 6

Betty's doctor allows her to make important decisions regarding treatment of her terminal disease. Betty's perceived control will likely serve to

Accepted Answer

Giving a patient a sense of control over their treatment has been shown to improve their overall attitude and psychological well-being. This can also lead to a better quality of life and sense of empowerment. It is unlikely that this would cause depression or maladaptive denial, and it is not likely to have a direct effect on the immune system.

Question 7

According to a recent Canadian study, most patients nearing death want to die

Accepted Answer

The Canadian study found that most patients nearing death preferred to die at home rather than in a hospital or nursing home. There is no mention of a preference for active euthanasia.

Question 8

According to Cottrell & Duggleby, which factor may work as an adaptive strategy or a maladaptive strategy for dealing with impending death depending on how it is employed?

Accepted Answer

Denial can be both an adaptive or maladaptive strategy for dealing with impending death, depending on how it is used. In some instances, denial can help individuals cope with the reality of their impending death and allow them to continue with everyday life without becoming overwhelmed with grief or anxiety. However, if denial is held onto for too long, it can prevent individuals from seeking necessary medical treatment or support, leading to negative outcomes.

Question 9

After speaking to the physician, Pablo understands that his father is dying. How should he communicate this news to his father?

Accepted Answer

It's important to be open and honest with his father about his condition. Trying to hide the truth may cause confusion or mistrust, and it's important for his father to have the opportunity to process the news and potentially make choices about his care. However, it may be helpful for a physician or hospice worker to also be present during the conversation to provide support and answer any medical questions.

Question 10

When a person is dying of a terminal illness, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross believed that depression is

Accepted Answer

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross believed that depression is part of the normal process of detaching oneself from love objects, which is one of the five stages of grief that individuals may experience when facing their own death or the death of a loved one. The other stages are denial, anger, bargaining, and acceptance. Encouraging cheerfulness or suggesting counseling and antidepressant medication may not be helpful or appropriate at this stage.

Question 11

What percentage of Americans dies in nursing homes?

Accepted Answer

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 20 percent of Americans die in nursing homes.

Question 12

Which of the following is true of Kübler-Ross' stages of dying?

Accepted Answer

Kübler-Ross' model acknowledges that not all individuals reach the acceptance stage of dying, indicating that some may never come to accept their imminent death.

Question 13

Harold knows he will not live much longer. He asks God to prolong his life and promises to make amends with his estranged children. Kübler-Ross called this stage

Accepted Answer

Kübler-Ross identified bargaining as one of the stages of grief that people go through when facing their mortality or a significant loss. In this scenario, Harold is bargaining with God, hoping to prolong his life in exchange for making amends with his estranged children.

Question 14

Which of the following was given the highest rating on a scale measuring life stressors that require the most adjustment?

Accepted Answer

The death of a spouse is considered the life event that requires the most adjustment, receiving the highest rating on scales measuring life stressors, such as the Holmes and Rahe Stress Scale.

Question 15

In the Kalish & Reynolds study (1976), people were asked "What would you do if you had only 6 months to live?" Brett answers this hypothetical question by indicating that he would visit the pyramids in Egypt. Brett is likely a(n)

Accepted Answer

Brett's response suggests that he has a sense of adventure and a desire to travel, which are characteristics typically associated with young adults. Adolescents may also have adventurous tendencies, but their responses to the hypothetical question might be more focused on immediate goals or desires rather than long-term plans. Older adults, on the other hand, might be more likely to focus on spending time with loved ones, completing unfinished tasks, or reflecting on their lives rather than planning new adventures. Children may not fully understand the concept of mortality and may not be capable of imagining their lives in the distant future.

Question 16

Which of the following statements is an accurate criticism of Kübler-Ross' stages of dying?

Accepted Answer

Although Kübler-Ross' stages of dying are widely known and accepted, she did not actually validate the five-stage sequence through independent research. This has been a criticism of her theory.

Question 17

Brenda is surprised that her chemotherapy has not been more effective. "I can't die-not me." Which of Kübler-Ross' stages of dying does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Brenda's statement reflects denial, which is the first stage in Kübler-Ross' model of the stages of dying.

Question 18

In the Kalish & Reynolds study (1976), people were asked "What would you do if you had only 6 months to live," Beth answers that she would spend time meditating. Beth is likely a(n)

Accepted Answer

The study by Kalish and Reynolds (1976) found that older adults were more likely to report spiritual and introspective responses to the question of what they would do if they had only 6 months to live. Therefore, it is most likely that Beth is an older adult given her response of spending time meditating.

Question 19

What percentage of Americans die in hospitals?

Accepted Answer

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 50 percent of deaths in the United States occur in hospitals.

Question 20

In some cases, denial of death may be a positive response. Which of the following could be a reason for this?

Accepted Answer

Denial can serve as a coping mechanism to reduce the emotional distress and anxiety associated with the impending death. It can help individuals to focus on positive things in their lives and to continue enjoying their remaining time with loved ones, without being overwhelmed by fear or grief. This can be a healthy response as it allows individuals to maintain their quality of life until the end. However, it is important for healthcare professionals to provide appropriate support and to help patients explore and address their fears and concerns about death as part of the palliative care process.

Quiz 17: Death, Dying, and Grieving