Author Question: A patient who claims to be very involved in church is near death. What action by the nurse is best? ... (Read 34 times)

ishan · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient who claims to be very involved in church is near death. What action by the nurse is best?

a. Get permission to contact the religious leader.
b. Allow the family to stay at the patient's bedside.
c. Call the hospital chaplain to come to the bedside.
d. Ask if the patient and family want to pray.

Question 2

A nurse is concerned about not consistently meeting the spiritual needs of patients. What action by the nurse is best?

a. Care for own spiritual needs
b. Begin a meditation practice
c. Consult the chaplain
d. Read books on the subject

akudia · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Organized religions use rituals to mark important life events such as birth, marriage, and death. This patient would most likely want end-of-life rituals as practiced in his/her church. The nurse's best action is to contact the religious leader (with permission) of that church or institution. Allowing the family to remain at the bedside is important but not the best option to care for the patient's spirituality needs. The hospital chaplain is a valuable resource, but the patient's own religious leader would be better. Praying with the family is always acceptable, but it is best to let the family take the lead in prayer.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
To avoid burnout and a decreased ability to attend to the spiritual needs of patients, nurses must take care of their own spiritual needs first. This may include meditation, consultations, and reading, but other activities can guide the nurse into a reflective practice that will allow better spiritual care.