A client is being treated for prostate cancer; his prognosis is ...

[sammy]

A client is being treated for prostate cancer; his prognosis is very poor. The client has a strong faith, and he has been active in his church for many years. He is concerned about his health and the challenges he faces as his cancer progresses.
 
  Which comment by the nurse reflects the most appropriate spiritual nursing intervention for the client?
 
  A) I'll take you to visit my church if you can get a pass.
  B) You have to belong to the same church I do if you're going to go to heaven.
  C) Would you like me to bring you a guided imagery audiotape?
  D) We can pray together if you'd like.

Question 2

A psychiatricmental health nurse is educating a class at a community health center on social factors associated with mental illness. When describing the influence of poverty and effects of the downward economic spiral on mental health,
 
  which population would the nurse identify as being the most at risk?
 
  A) Older adults
  B) Individuals with physical disabilities
  C) Single-parent families
  D) Homeless individuals

[Jevvish]

Answer to Question 1

Ans: D
To carry out spiritual interventions, the nurse enters a therapeutic relationship with the client and uses the self as a therapeutic tool. Offering to pray with the client is the only intervention that allows the nurse to use herself as a therapeutic tool. Prayer is an appropriate spiritual intervention in this situation because of the client's religious background and his need for solace and hope. The statements about taking the client to the nurse's church and belonging to the same church to get to heaven focus on meeting the nurse's need rather than the client's need. The statement about bringing a guided imagery audiotape, although an appropriate spiritual intervention, would not be helpful for this client at this time because of his poor prognosis and concerns about the challenges he will face.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: D
Poverty affects all cultural groups and other groups such as older adults, people with physical disabilities, individuals with psychiatric impairments, and single-parent families. Often, those in poverty become trapped in a downward economic spiral as tensions and stress mount. The homeless population is the group most at risk for becoming unable to escape the spiral of poverty.