Deck 16: Spirituality

Question 1

The nursing student is completing her clinical rotation in the intensive care unit.While caring for a patient,she says to the primary nurse,"This family is bringing in all kinds of beads and medals and putting them on the patient and bed.This is intensive care! What should I do?" What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

A) "Remove the medals from the patient so they don't get in the way of your work."
B) "Remove the beads from the bed so they don't get in the way of your work."
C) "Explain to the family that these objects cannot be brought into intensive care as our work is too intricate and these things can get in the way."
D) "This is not uncommon in intensive care. Try to work around this as best you can, as these objects are important to the family and patient."

Answer 1

"This is not uncommon in intensive care. Try to work around this as best you can, as these objects are important to the family and patient."

Question 2

What is meant by the nurse's being "present" with a patient? Select all that apply.

A) Being open to patient's beliefs and concerns
B) Setting the agenda and leading discussions
C) Allowing the patient to tell stories about his illness
D) Using active listening skills

Answer 2

Being open to patient's beliefs and concerns
Allowing the patient to tell stories about his illness
Using active listening skills

Question 3

The nurse is caring for a patient in the hospital.The patient states,"No matter what happens to me,I believe my path is already predetermined.Nothing is going to change my destiny." This patient is most likely exhibiting:

A) Fatalism
B) Hopelessness
C) Lack of faith
D) Self-pity

Answer 3

Fatalism

Question 4

The nurse is working in a pediatric intensive care unit.A young couple has just been informed that their 6-year-old son has died after being in the unit for 1 month.The couple is grief stricken and says to the nurse,"We can't believe this has happened.He was too young.God is watching over him.Do you believe in God?" What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

A) "It was his time. He is in a better place."
B) "He suffered enough. He is in peace now."
C) "I believe he is with angels, but what you think is most important."
D) "It doesn't matter what I think. It is only important what you think."

Question 5

The nurse is asking the patient reflective,clarifying questions to help the patient make a list of what is important and unimportant in life and the time commitment for each.Which standardized (NIC)nursing intervention does this action implement?

A) Spiritual support
B) Self-Esteem Enhancement
C) Values Clarification
D) Hope Inspiration

Question 6

What are some possible barrier(s)for nurses in providing spiritual care? Select all that apply.

A) Spiritual care is related to end-of-life care and many nurses do not work in this area.
B) Greater emphasis in nursing is placed on meeting patients' physical needs.
C) Many nurses experience time constraints and inadequate staffing.
D) Many nurses lack an understanding of their own spiritual belief systems.

Question 7

Which statement made by the student nurse to a Jehovah's Witness patient indicates a need for further learning?

A) "I documented in your medical records that you do not want blood transfusions or blood products."
B) "I will decorate your room with holiday ornaments."
C) "Happy Birthday. I will have the dietary department send up a cake for you."
D) "The organ procurement (donation) center was notified that you did not want to donate an organ."

Question 8

The nurse is a Christian.She is caring for a Jewish patient who has asked her to offer a prayer at the bedside.The nurse feels comfortable doing so.Which of the following actions by the nurse is appropriate?

A) Offer a prayer for healing using the nurse's usual words and format.
B) Begin the prayer with "Jehovah God," as she always does, while avoiding the name of Jesus.
C) Avoid saying any name for the Supreme Being while praying, and quote an Old Testament Bible scripture as the prayer.
D) Say, "What name would you like for me to use to address the Supreme Being when I am praying for you?"

Question 9

Which type of medicine do those of the Hindu faith typically practice?

A) Ayurvedic medicine
B) Western medicine
C) Chiropractic medicine
D) Tribal medicine

Question 10

Over the past few centuries,nurses have placed less attention on spiritual care primarily because:

A) Nurses providing care are less religious and spiritual now
B) Spirituality and religion are unproven with regard to influencing health
C) Greater emphasis has been placed on science and scientific evidence
D) Nurses are uncomfortable when discussing spiritual aspects of care

Question 11

A female patient tells the charge nurse that she does not want a male nurse caring for her.Which intervention by the charge nurse is best?

A) Explain that hospital policy does not allow nursing assignments based on the gender of the nurse.
B) Explore with the patient her beliefs and determine which might have caused her to make this statement.
C) Assure the patient that each nurse is capable of providing professional nursing care, regardless of gender.
D) Comply with the patient's request and assign a female nurse to care for the patient.

Question 12

The nurse is caring for a patient recently diagnosed with cancer.The patient states,"I really never believed in a god or followed any religion.Should I do something now?" What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

A) "Religion and spirituality are not for everyone. If you've not had it in your life to this point, you may not need it."
B) "I am a Catholic and it works for me. Would you like me to tell you about my religion?"
C) "It is important to have some religion or spirituality in your life as it can help you get through difficult times."
D) "It is up to you. If you would like, I can arrange for one of our nondenominational chaplains to come and speak with you."

Question 13

A patient tells the nurse,"I feel that God has abandoned me.I am so angry that I can't even pray." The patient refuses to see his minister when he calls.Which is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for this patient?

A) Spiritual Distress
B) Risk for Spiritual Distress
C) Impaired Religiosity
D) Moral Distress

Question 14

A patient has a nursing diagnosis of Noncompliance with medication regimen related to a belief that God will heal her and that it would show a lack of faith to take the medications.The nurse and a clergyman have spent some time discussing spiritual and treatment issues with the patient.Which of the following statements made by the patient would indicate that progress is being made toward achieving compliance with healthcare therapy? Select all that apply.

A) "I will try to pray more often for stronger faith that God will heal me."
B) "Let me think about it until tomorrow; I may see my way to taking those pills then."
C) "You know, I've known some very holy people who were not cured by God."
D) "There is no confusion in my mind as to the right thing for me to do."

Question 15

Which special consideration may the nurse need to make when caring for a female Rastafarian patient?

A) Allow the patient to wear her own clothing.
B) Provide a diet that is caffeine free.
C) Allow the patient to wear jewelry with religious symbols.
D) Provide free-flowing water for bathing.

Question 16

A patient of Orthodox Jewish faith is admitted to the hospital with heart failure on Yom Kippur.The physician prescribes digoxin 0.25 mg to be given orally for this patient.Based on the patient's religious affiliation,which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A) Administer the medication as prescribed.
B) Hold the medication until after Yom Kippur.
C) Explain the importance of taking the medication despite the holiday.
D) Ask the physician to change the route of administration.

Question 17

The nurse is speaking with a 40-year-old woman at a fund-raiser.The woman states,"I have never had a mammogram.I am a Buddhist and I believe if I get cancer,then that is what my fate will be." What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

A) "You are 40 years old and really should start thinking about having a mammogram."
B) "Breast cancer can be cured if caught and treated early enough. You are not giving yourself an opportunity think about your own health."
C) "I don't know of any religion that just allows people to die. You may need to rethink this."
D) "This is certainly your choice; however, there is research that shows screening is helpful and effective."

Question 18

What is the most effective action for the nurse to take when delivering spiritual care to a patient of the same religion as the nurse?

A) Understanding that the patient shares the same beliefs
B) Striving to meet the patient's spiritual needs independently
C) Explaining her own religious beliefs to the patient
D) Developing a greater awareness of her own spirituality

Question 19

Which question is most important to ask of a newly admitted patient to effectively incorporate spiritual care in the nursing care plan?

A) "What is your family's religious background?"
B) "With what organized religion are you affiliated?"
C) "Do you go to church, and if so, how often?"
D) "What are your personal spiritual beliefs?"

Question 20

A student nurse is preparing a Mormon female for surgery.Which statement made or question asked by the nurse indicates an understanding of the patient's religious practices or beliefs?

A) "This is a new gown. No one else has worn it."
B) "How would you like me to handle your undergarments?"
C) "I will let your surgical team know that only females can touch you."
D) "Would you like me to pray with you?"

Question 21

What are some activities nurses can do to gain a broader view of spirituality? Select all that apply.

A) Develop critical and reflective thinking abilities
B) Participate in religious and spiritual practices regularly
C) Increase knowledge base of religion and spirituality
D) Recognize that all spirituality is deeply ingrained in religion