A patient with lung cancer yells at you while attempting to provide oxygen. Which stage of grief is this patient exhibiting?

The patient is exhibiting anger, which is a common stage of grief identified by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. In this context, anger can manifest when individuals are confronted with a terminal illness such as lung cancer. The patient may feel a range of intense emotions, including frustration, helplessness, and rage towards the situation, their diagnosis, or even the healthcare providers.

Anger is often a reaction to the perceived unfairness of their situation. When attempting to provide oxygen, the patient's outburst could stem from feelings of vulnerability and fear related to their illness. This reaction is a natural part of coping with the grief associated with a significant medical condition, as they process their diagnosis and its implications.

Understanding this stage can help first responders provide compassionate care, acknowledging the patient's emotional turmoil while remaining focused on delivering necessary medical support.