Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

What stage of grief is displayed when a patient says, "This can't be happening to me" after learning about a terminal illness?

1. Denial

2. Depression

3. Bargaining

4. Anger

The correct answer is: Denial

Denial is the stage of grief that is characterized by an individual’s refusal to accept the reality of a situation, particularly a distressing one like a terminal illness. When a patient exclaims, "This can't be happening to me," it reflects a defense mechanism where the individual is unable or unwilling to acknowledge the severity of their condition. This reaction serves as a way to protect themselves from the overwhelming emotions that accompany such a diagnosis. Denial may provide a temporary respite, allowing the person time to process the information and begin to understand the implications of their situation before moving into the next stages of grief.