A patient with a recent SCI says, 'If I can just walk 10 steps, I'll donate my entire savings to charity. I'll do anything—just give me back my legs.' This statement is most consistent with which stage of grief?

A patient with a recent SCI says, 'If I can just walk 10 steps, I'll donate my entire savings to charity. I'll do anything—just give me back my legs.' This statement is most consistent with which stage of grief?

• A. Denial
• B. Depression
• C. Bargaining
• D. Acceptance

Answer: (C)

This question tests understanding of bargaining as a stage of grief after a spinal cord injury. The person wants to make a deal—promising to donate savings or do anything if walking can be regained—which is classic bargaining: attempts to negotiate a reversal of the loss by offering something in return. It reflects a need to regain some control in the face of a devastating change. Denial would show Pretending the reality isn’t true or minimizing its impact. Depression involves persistent sadness and withdrawal. Acceptance means acknowledging the reality and beginning to adapt. Bargaining is the moment of making deals in hope of changing the outcome, which fits the described statement.

This question tests understanding of bargaining as a stage of grief after a spinal cord injury. The person wants to make a deal—promising to donate savings or do anything if walking can be regained—which is classic bargaining: attempts to negotiate a reversal of the loss by offering something in return. It reflects a need to regain some control in the face of a devastating change.

Denial would show Pretending the reality isn’t true or minimizing its impact. Depression involves persistent sadness and withdrawal. Acceptance means acknowledging the reality and beginning to adapt. Bargaining is the moment of making deals in hope of changing the outcome, which fits the described statement.