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NCLEX · General

An elderly client tells the nurse: 'I have made peace with my life. I am ready to go.' According to Erikson's theory, which stage is reflected?

Correct answer

Ego Integrity vs. Despair — the final stage of Erikson's psychosocial development (late adulthood); successful resolution is ego integrity: the sense of having lived a meaningful, purposeful life; unsuccessful resolution is despair: regret, bitterness, and fear of death

  1. A Industry vs. Inferiority
  2. B Ego Integrity vs. Despair — the final stage of Erikson's psychosocial development (late adulthood); successful resolution is ego integrity: the sense of having lived a meaningful, purposeful life; unsuccessful resolution is despair: regret, bitterness, and fear of death
  3. C Identity vs. Role Confusion
  4. D Generativity vs. Stagnation

Why this is the answer

ERIKSON'S STAGES OF PSYCHOSOCIAL DEVELOPMENT — LATE ADULTHOOD (65+): STAGE: Ego Integrity vs. Despair; TASK: Reflect on life's meaning, accept one's life as it was lived, and face death with equanimity; SUCCESS (Ego Integrity): The person can say 'I am satisfied with the life I have lived'; they accept mortality with peace; wisdom is the virtue achieved; FAILURE (Despair): The person feels life was wasted or meaningless; they fear death because there is no time to redo it; bitterness and regret; APPLICATION: The client in this question is demonstrating ego integrity — they have resolved the stage successfully. NURSING ROLE: Honor and validate this review; facilitate life review conversations (reminiscence therapy); involve spiritual/religious support as desired; avoid dismissing these reflections as merely 'giving up' — this is healthy developmental resolution.
Source: NCLEX-RN Test Plan: Psychosocial — End of Life, Erikson Stage 8

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