Impact Phase includes which statement?

• A. The initial reaction is to deny the change and feel no emotion
• B. The patient immediately seeks information
• C. The individual realizes the changes that have occurred. Initial reaction may be devastation and denial
• D. There is no need for support from the healthcare team

Answer: (C)

In the Impact Phase, a person is beginning to take in and acknowledge the reality of the change, and their emotional response is usually strong. The statement that best fits this phase recognizes that the individual realizes the changes that have occurred, and that initial reactions may be devastating and involve denial. It’s about facing the new situation while handling intense emotions, rather than being numb or jumping straight to information gathering.

The other options don’t fit because: one implies no emotional response despite denial, which is unlikely in this phase; another suggests immediate information-seeking, which tends to occur after the initial shock in later coping steps; and the last option incorrectly states that no healthcare support is needed, whereas early support and reassurance are essential.