Nokea
After terminating a pregnancy, a patient tells the nurse, "I shouldn't have had that abortion because I'm Catholic, but what else could I do? I'm afraid I'll never get close to my mother or back in the Church again." They then talk with their priest about this feeling of guilt. Which evaluation statement shows a solution to the problem?
- A. Patient stated, "I wish I had talked with the priest sooner. I now know God has forgiven me, and my mother is beginning to understand."
- B. Patient has slept from 10 PM to 6 AM for 3 consecutive nights without medication.
- C. Patient has developed mutually caring relationships with others.
- D. Patient has identified several spiritual beliefs that give purpose to their life.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The patient's statements indicate feelings of guilt, which has caused spiritual distress. Only option a clearly evaluates whether the patient's feelings of guilt have resolved after speaking to the priest.
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A nurse is caring for patients in a long-term care facility. Which nursing actions are appropriate based on the religious beliefs of these patients? Select all that apply.
- A. Asking a Buddhist if they have any diet restrictions related to the observance of holy days
- B. Asking a Christian Scientist who is in traction if they would like to try nonpharmacologic pain measures
- C. Administering medications to a Muslim patient and avoiding touching the patient's lips
- D. Asking a Roman Catholic patient if they would like to attend Mass in the common room on Sunday
- E. Avoiding scheduling treatment and procedures on Saturday for a Hindu patient
- F. Consulting with the medicine man of a Native American patient and incorporating their suggestions into the care plan
Correct Answer: A,B,D,F
Rationale: The nurse should ask a Buddhist if they have any diet restrictions related to the observance of holy days. Since Christian Scientists avoid the use of pain medications, the nurse should offer nonpharmacologic pain relief measures. A nurse should ask a Roman Catholic if they would like to attend Mass on Sunday. The nurse would appropriately consult with the medicine man of a Native American patient and incorporate their suggestions into the care plan.
A hospice nurse is caring for a patient who is dying of pancreatic cancer. The patient tells the nurse, "I feel no connection to God" and "I'm worried that I've found no real meaning in life." What is the nurse's best response to this patient?
- A. Give the patient a hug and tell them that their life still has meaning.
- B. Arrange for a spiritual advisor to visit the patient.
- C. Ask if the patient would like to talk about their feelings.
- D. Call in a close friend or relative to talk to the patient.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When caring for a patient who is in spiritual distress, the nurse should listen to the patient first, then ask whether the patient would like to visit with a spiritual advisor. Arranging for a spiritual advisor first may not be respectful of the patient's wishes. A hug and false reassurances do not address the problem of spiritual distress. Talking to friends or relatives may be helpful, but only if the patient agrees.
A parish nurse is speaking to a congregant whose adolescent child was arrested for shoplifting. The congregant is very angry, stating they cannot face the child, let alone discuss the situation: "I just will not tolerate a thief." What nursing action will best assist the congregant at this time?
- A. Assuring the congregant that many parents feel the same way
- B. Reassuring the congregant that many teenagers act rebelliously and that it will pass
- C. Assisting the congregant to identify how withholding forgiveness hurts them
- D. Asking the congregant if they have spent sufficient time with their child
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Helping the congregant identify how their unforgiving feelings may be harmful to themselves is the only intervention that directly addresses forgiveness, a universal spiritual need.
A nurse who is caring for patients on a pediatric unit is assessing children's spiritual needs. Which is the most important source of learning for a child's own spirituality?
- A. Child's church or religious organization
- B. What their parents say about God and religion
- C. Their parents' behavior in relationship to the family, others, and to God
- D. Family's spiritual advisor
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Children learn most about their own spirituality from how their parents behave in relationship to one another, their children, others, and God (or a higher being). What parents say about God and religion, the family's spiritual advisor, and the child's church or religious organization are less important sources of learning.
A surgeon tells a patient who is a Jehovah's Witness that they need emergency surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm, which will require blood transfusions. The patient states, "If I receive blood, I will not go to paradise. It is against my religion." What nursing response to the patient is appropriate?
- A. "I understand you will not receive blood products, even if it means you will die."
- B. "Please listen to the surgeon; I've seen many aneurysms successfully repaired"
- C. "Have you discussed your decision to refuse surgery with your family?"
- D. "What can I say to help you through this difficult decision?"
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Patients who practice the Jehovah's Witness faith believe blood transfusions violate God's laws and do not allow them. The nurse supports the patient's beliefs. It is disrespectful of the nurse to attempt to coerce a decision or impose their beliefs on the patient.