Which stage is not part of the five stages of dealing with loss of a patient?

The correct answer identifies a stage that is not traditionally recognized in the commonly accepted model for dealing with loss, which includes acceptance, anger, bargaining, depression, and denial. In this context, disbelief is not formally considered one of the five stages.

The model emphasizes emotional responses that individuals may go through during the grieving process. Each of the stages, such as acceptance, anger, and depression, reflects a critical component of how one can experience and eventually reconcile with the loss.

In contrast, disbelief may appear to be a reaction to loss but is often viewed as part of denial rather than a standalone stage. Denial serves as an initial shock protecting the individual from the immediate impact of grief. Thus, while disbelief can certainly accompany loss, it does not hold the same qualified status as the other identified stages within the framework of coping with grief.