Client Responses and Nursing Implications in Kübler-Ross’s Stages of Grieving

Denial

Refuses to believe that loss is happening.

Is unready to deal with practical problems, such as prosthe-

sis after the loss of a leg. May assume artificial cheerfulness

to prolong denial.

Anger

Client or family may direct anger at nurse or staff about mat-

ters that normally would not bother them.

Bargaining

Seeks to bargain to avoid loss (e.g., “let me just live until [a

certain time] and then I will be ready to die”).

Depression

Grieves over what has happened and what cannot be.

May talk freel

Acceptance

Comes to terms with loss.

May have decreased interest in surroundings and support

people.

May wish to begin making plans