Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

A man is experiencing significant anxiety and depression regarding the impending death of his wife. However, the wife is trying to comfort her husband by telling him that she loves him and is prepared to die. What stage of the grieving process is the patient experiencing?

1. Denial

2. Anger

3. Bargaining

4. Acceptance

The correct answer is: Acceptance

The man is experiencing the stage of acceptance in the grieving process. Acceptance is characterized by a coming to terms with the reality of loss and the emotions associated with it. In this scenario, the man's significant anxiety and depression indicate that he is grappling with the impending loss, but his wife's ability to express love and her preparedness for death reflects a deep understanding of the situation. Her reassurance allows the husband to start processing the reality of their circumstances, even while experiencing difficult emotions. This indicates a transitional phase towards acceptance, where individuals begin to understand and acknowledge their grief, even amidst the anxiety and sadness they might still feel. Other stages like denial, anger, and bargaining may not fully capture the complexity of the emotions being experienced in this context. In denial, individuals might refuse to acknowledge the reality of the situation; in anger, they often express resentment towards the circumstances; and bargaining involves attempts to negotiate for an extension of life or less pain. The interaction between the husband and wife suggests a movement towards acceptance rather than these earlier stages of grief.