California Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

In which stage of grief is a client likely to be when praying for forgiveness due to a terminal illness?

1. Denial

2. Depression

3. Bargaining

4. Acceptance

The correct answer is: Bargaining

When a client is praying for forgiveness due to a terminal illness, they are likely in the bargaining stage of grief. During this stage, individuals often attempt to negotiate or make deals in an effort to reverse or mitigate their fate. The act of praying for forgiveness may indicate a desire to remedy their situation, whether it’s through seeking divine intervention or making promises to change behavior in exchange for better circumstances. This reflects the psychological process of bargaining, where individuals grapple with their feelings about their illness and seek to maintain a sense of control or hope in the face of overwhelming loss. In contrast, other stages of grief involve different emotional responses. Denial is characterized by disbelief and shock regarding the situation; it involves refusing to accept reality. Depression reflects profound sadness and a feeling of hopelessness that can come later in the grief process. Acceptance is the final stage where individuals come to terms with their situation, finding peace despite the circumstances. Each stage serves a different purpose in the grieving process, and bargaining specifically captures the essence of trying to negotiate with one's fate or that of a loved one.