A nurse is speaking with a family member of a client who has a terminal diagnosis. The family member states, "I'm having a hard time letting her go." The nurse should recognize that the family member is experiencing which of the following types of grief?

A. Anticipatory: Anticipatory grief occurs when a person begins to experience feelings of loss and mourning prior to the actual death of a loved one. The family member’s difficulty “letting go” reflects emotional processing and preparation for the impending death, which is characteristic of anticipatory grief. B. Exaggerated: Exaggerated grief involves maladaptive, intense, or prolonged responses that interfere with daily functioning, often manifesting as severe depression or self-destructive behavior. The statement does not indicate such extreme reactions. C. Delayed: Delayed grief is when the emotional response to loss is postponed or suppressed, often surfacing much later. The family member is actively expressing grief in the present, so this does not apply. D. Disenfranchised: Disenfranchised grief occurs when a person’s loss is not socially recognized or validated, such as in cases of estranged relationships. In this scenario, the family member is openly expressing grief for a loved one, so it is not disenfranchised.