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

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO- 2019

Explanation

The correct sequence of the five stages of grief, as proposed by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, is Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.
This model is often remembered by the mnemonic DABDA, which corresponds to the first letter of each stage in order.
The sequence begins with denial as a coping mechanism, progresses through emotional responses like anger and bargaining, moves into a period of sadness (depression), and ideally concludes with acceptance.

Option A: This option incorrectly places Anger and Denial. Denial is the initial stage of shock and disbelief, not Anger.
Option B: This option swaps the positions of Anger and Depression. Anger typically precedes the deep sadness of the depression stage.
Option C: This option incorrectly starts with Depression. Depression is the fourth stage, occurring after the individual has moved through denial, anger, and bargaining.

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 as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses use this model to understand a patient's emotional state when facing terminal illness or loss, allowing for more empathetic and appropriate communication and care.
Recognizing a patient's stage of grief helps the nurse anticipate their needs, such as providing a safe space for anger, listening to bargaining, or offering support during depression.
What if? A patient seems to have accepted their diagnosis but later becomes very angry at their family. This is normal; the stages are not linear. The nurse should validate the patient's feelings of anger without judgment and continue to provide emotional support.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is the established psychological model for the stages of dying.
Recall the Kübler-Ross stages of grief. A useful mnemonic is DABDA.
Write down the mnemonic: D (Denial), A (Anger), B (Bargaining), D (Depression), A (Acceptance).
Compare this correct sequence with the four options provided.
Select the option that matches the DABDA sequence exactly.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 949-951

E6 Psychology Applied Sreevani 5e p. 94-96

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

Practise the full AIIMS Delhi NO- 2019

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