Page 2338 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

angry at the loved one who died or may feel guilt about the death.

▪ Bargaining or depression or both also may occur in this stage.

Stage 3: Reintegration

▪ Individual begins to reorganize her or his life and accepts the reality of the loss.

Box 67-3

Grief in Children

Birth to 1 Year

▪ Infant has no concept of death.
▪ Infant reacts to the loss of mother or caregiver.

1 to 2 Years

▪ Toddler may see death as reversible.
▪ Toddler may scream, withdraw, or become disinterested in the environment.

▪ Grief response occurs only to the death of the significant person in the toddler’s
life.

2 to 5 Years

▪ Child may see death as reversible.

▪ Regressive or aggressive behavior may occur.
▪ Child has a sense of loss and is concerned about who will provide care.

5 to 9 Years

▪ Child has difficulty concentrating.
▪ Child begins to see death as permanent.
▪ Child may feel responsible for the occurrence.

Preadolescent Through Adolescent

▪ Adolescent may regress.
▪ Adolescent sees death as permanent.
▪ Adolescent experiences a strong emotional reaction.

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