An older adult client is admitted to the hospital with terminal cancer

QUESTION

An older adult client is admitted to the hospital with terminal cancer. The client expresses acceptance of impending death and states, “I am very satisfied with the life I had.”

The nurse recognizes the client is in Erikson’s stage of psychosocial development known as which of the following?

a. Integrity vs. Despair
b. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
c. Intimacy vs. Isolation
d. Identity vs. Identity Diffusion

ANSWER:

ANS: A
In this stage, the focus is the meaning of life and worth. It includes acceptance of growing limitations while maintaining a maximum productivity. Expression of acceptance of certitude of death as well as satisfaction with one’s contributions to life are also characteristics of this stage. Autonomy versus Shame and Doubt occurs during the toddler stage of development. Intimacy versus Isolation occurs during the young adult stage. Identity versus Identity Diffusion occurs during adolescence.