A nurse is caring for a client who has a terminal illness. Which of the following statements should the nurse make to reinforce teaching about anticipatory grief reactions with the client's partner?

A. Anticipatory grief begins before the actual death, as individuals start grieving the expected loss. This statement is incorrect. B. Feeling emotionally detached at times is a common reaction during anticipatory grief. Individuals may withdraw or distance themselves as a psychological coping mechanism. This statement provides appropriate education and normalization. C. A sudden spurt of energy can sometimes occur in terminal clients, but this statement refers to the dying person rather than the partner’s anticipatory grief reaction. It does not answer the teaching focus. D. Anticipatory grief does not delay normal grief; rather, it may help prepare individuals emotionally for the loss and can sometimes ease the intensity of grief after death.