In all areas of care, nurses will encounter patients experiencing death, dying, loss, or grief. Understanding the concepts of loss and grief, particularly in relation to death and dying, prepares the nurse to support patients physically and emotionally.

Grief, bereavement, and mourning are unique experiences for each individual and are affected by personal values and specific cultural beliefs. Physical symptoms associated with grief, such as heart palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, and muscle tension, often overlap with emotional dysregulation, such as depression, anxiety, and anger.

loss — a real or perceived absence of a possession, circumstance, or individual. death — the cessation of biological life functions. grief — the emotional response to loss. depression — a grief stage marked by prolonged sadness that affects an individual’s ability to perform everyday tasks.