Which of the following terms describes the initial phase of coping with the loss of a patient?

The initial phase of coping with the loss of a patient is best described by the term "Denial." This phase is characterized by a refusal to accept the reality of the loss, as individuals may struggle to process the information or assert that the event has not occurred. Denial serves as a psychological defense mechanism that allows individuals to cope with overwhelming emotions and can provide a temporary reprieve from the pain of grief.

During this phase, individuals might express disbelief or numbness regarding the patient’s death, which can manifest in thoughts like, "This can't be happening" or "I need to talk to them." This reaction is a natural part of the grieving process, giving people time to adjust to their feelings before moving on to other stages of coping, such as anger, bargaining, or acceptance. The intention behind denial is not to disregard the reality of the loss but rather to protect oneself from the immediate emotional distress that accompanies it.