A spouse died two weeks ago. The nurse observes that the patient does not engage in active conversation and avoids eye contact. Which stage of grief is the patient in?

A spouse died two weeks ago. The nurse observes that the patient does not engage in active conversation and avoids eye contact. Which stage of grief is the patient in?

• A. Depression
• B. Acceptance
• C. Denial
• D. Anger

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is how grief unfolds in stages, particularly identifying signs of the depressive stage. After a loved one dies, people often go through a period of sadness and withdrawal. When someone avoids eye contact and stops engaging in conversation, it often reflects a quiet, withdrawn mood characteristic of depression in the grief process. This stage involves deep sadness, reduced interest in usual activities, and social disengagement as the person begins to feel the weight of the loss. Denial would present as disbelief or shock, perhaps acting as if the loss isn’t real or trying to maintain the status quo. Anger would show up as irritability or outward frustration directed at others or the situation. Acceptance implies a level of adjustment and coping, where the person starts to re-engage with life and others. In this scenario, the withdrawal and lack of communication align most closely with depression. If these symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to assess for clinical depression and provide appropriate support, but the described behavior fits the depressive phase of grief in the context of early bereavement.

The main idea being tested is how grief unfolds in stages, particularly identifying signs of the depressive stage. After a loved one dies, people often go through a period of sadness and withdrawal. When someone avoids eye contact and stops engaging in conversation, it often reflects a quiet, withdrawn mood characteristic of depression in the grief process. This stage involves deep sadness, reduced interest in usual activities, and social disengagement as the person begins to feel the weight of the loss.

Denial would present as disbelief or shock, perhaps acting as if the loss isn’t real or trying to maintain the status quo. Anger would show up as irritability or outward frustration directed at others or the situation. Acceptance implies a level of adjustment and coping, where the person starts to re-engage with life and others. In this scenario, the withdrawal and lack of communication align most closely with depression.

If these symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to assess for clinical depression and provide appropriate support, but the described behavior fits the depressive phase of grief in the context of early bereavement.