Give the correct order of the five stages of a dying person?

Appeared in: UPPSC-2021

Explanation

The correct sequence of the five stages of grief, as described by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, is Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.
This model is often remembered by the mnemonic DABDA.
Denial is the initial stage, characterized by shock and disbelief, serving as a temporary defense mechanism.
Anger follows as the reality begins to set in, often directed at others or the situation.
Bargaining is an attempt to postpone the inevitable, often by making deals with a higher power.
Depression occurs as the person grieves the impending loss.

Option A: This option incorrectly starts with Anger and places Denial fourth. Denial is the initial stage of shock and disbelief.
Option B: This option incorrectly places Depression before Bargaining and Anger. The anger and bargaining stages typically precede the deep sadness of depression.
Option C: This option incorrectly starts with Depression. Depression is a later stage in the process, not the initial reaction to a terminal diagnosis or loss.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Kübler-Ross model of the five stages of grief and dying as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the Kübler-Ross model provides nurses with a framework to anticipate patients' emotional needs and provide empathetic, stage-appropriate psychosocial support.
It is critical to remember that this is a model, not a rigid timeline. Patients may skip stages, revisit them, or experience them in a different order. The nurse's primary role is to assess and respond to the individual's unique experience.
What if a patient seems to be 'stuck' in the denial stage and refuses treatment? The nurse should not force acceptance but should gently provide clear, consistent information, explore the patient's fears, and facilitate communication with the healthcare team and family to ensure informed decision-making is possible when the patient is ready.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify that the question is asking for the correct sequence of a specific psychological model related to death and dying.
Recall the Kübler-Ross model of the five stages of grief.
Use the mnemonic 'DABDA' to remember the correct order: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance.
Systematically compare each option to the DABDA sequence.
Option A starts with Anger (incorrect).
Option B has Depression before Anger (incorrect).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 949-951

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 2 Part 3 p. 102-104

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 4 p. 37-39

Practise the full UPPSC-2021

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.