ACC Grief & Loss Counseling 3

Question 1

A terminally ill patient says, 'I've made peace with dying, but I can't stand the thought of my family suffering.' This expression reflects which dimension of grief?

Accepted Answer

Anticipatory grief focused on others

Answer

Anticipatory grief can be experienced on behalf of loved ones, as the dying person mourns the future suffering their death will cause those they love.

Question 2

Which intervention is most appropriate when a grieving person enters a prolonged state of emotional numbness?

Accepted Answer

Respect the numbness as a protective mechanism while maintaining supportive presence

Answer

Emotional numbness is often a natural self-protective response to overwhelming loss, and the chaplain's role is to maintain compassionate presence without forcing emotional expression.

Question 3

A chaplain notices a grieving teenager withdrawing from friends and skipping school three months after losing a sibling. This most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

A possible complicated grief response that warrants a referral or closer follow-up

Answer

Social withdrawal and academic decline in adolescents following significant loss may signal complicated grief and should prompt referral or increased support.

Question 4

The term 'disenfranchised grief' was introduced by which grief theorist?

Accepted Answer

Kenneth Doka

Answer

Kenneth Doka coined 'disenfranchised grief' to describe grief that society does not fully recognize or validate, such as the loss of a pet or an ex-spouse.

Question 5

A hospice chaplain is supporting a caregiver who feels relief after the death of a spouse with a prolonged illness. How should the chaplain respond?

Accepted Answer

Normalize relief as a common and understandable response after prolonged caregiving

Answer

Relief following a prolonged, difficult illness is a common caregiver response and should be normalized rather than shamed, as it coexists with genuine grief.

(ACC) Associate Certified Chaplains Practice Test

(ACC) Associate Certified Chaplains Practice Test

ACC Grief & Loss Counseling 3