Question 1

A patient says, "I know I need religion in my life, but I don't know how to find God. I feel I have been abandoned." The nurse should assess for a childhood history of what experience?

Accepted Answer

The patient's statement suggests a feeling of abandonment, which could be a result of a lack of nurturing in childhood. The other options do not directly relate to the patient's statement.

Question 2

Which statement by a mentally ill patient best exemplifies sick religiosity?

Accepted Answer

The statement "Suicide will result in eternal damnation for your soul" exhibits sick religiosity because it implies that the individual's mental illness and suicidal thoughts are solely caused by a lack of faith, and that suicide will result in punishment by a divine being. This belief system can further exacerbate the individual's already fragile mental state.

Question 3

A new nurse asks the mentor, "How can I help meet patients' spiritual needs?" What personal characteristics should the mentor focus upon? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A, B, C, D

Question 4

What is the predominant religious tradition in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Christianity is the predominant religious tradition in the United States, with over 70% of the population identifying as Christian according to a 2014 Pew Research Center survey. Other religions, such as Buddhism, Islam, and Judaism, make up a much smaller percentage of the population.

Question 5

On the admission papers, a patient checked the box labeled "No religious affiliation." What meaning can the nurse draw from this information?

Accepted Answer

The answer of On the admission papers, a patient checked...

Question 6

A depressed patient expresses feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and powerlessness. The patient's spiritual distress is best addressed by which nursing intervention?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A depressed patient expresses feelings of hopelessness,...

Question 7

A nurse providing spiritual care for a patient awaiting a liver transplant demonstrates knowledge of anticipated spiritual needs by focusing on what area?

Accepted Answer

Patients awaiting a liver transplant are faced with their own mortality and may experience fear, anxiety, and existential distress. The nurse should be knowledgeable in identifying and addressing these spiritual concerns.

Question 8

A patient diagnosed with major depression shows the nurse a passage in the Bible and says, "How do you think this verse relates to me?" The nurse is unfamiliar with the verse and unsure how to respond. Select the nurse's best action.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient diagnosed with major depression shows...

Question 9

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia, paranoid type, has been suspicious of staff since admission. The patient visits with a chaplain but then tells the nurse, "Don't send any more preachers." What is the most likely reason for the patient's reaction?

Accepted Answer

Patients with paranoid schizophrenia often have a lack of trust in others, including healthcare professionals, due to their delusions and suspicious thinking. This may lead to a negative reaction to the visiting chaplain, and a reluctance to receive further religious or spiritual support from staff.

Question 10

The patient says, "I know I'm very sick right now, but I trust that God will make me better." Based on this statement, the nurse can assess the patient's spirituality as being based on what model?

Accepted Answer

The patient's statement indicates that they have faith in a higher power, specifically God, which aligns with the beliefs of theism.

Question 11

A patient tells the nurse, "I make decisions each day that have a positive effect on my life." This statement is most closely related to what spiritual construct?

Accepted Answer

The patient's statement about making positive decisions connects with the spiritual construct of making meaning through choices.

Question 12

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia says, "I am a reincarnation of Jesus. I can raise the dead." Who is the most qualified person for the nurse to refer the patient to?

Accepted Answer

A professional chaplain would be the most qualified person to refer the patient to as delusions related to religious beliefs may require a spiritual or religious approach to treatment. A chaplain can provide spiritual support and guidance to the patient and help them work through their beliefs in a compassionate and understanding manner.

Question 13

Which statement made by a nurse demonstrates an understanding about why completing a spiritual assessment is important?

Accepted Answer

Accrediting organizations require that spiritual assessments be completed to ensure that patients' spiritual needs are being met.

Question 14

A patient moans, "God wants me to suffer, but I don't know why. I feel like an outcast. I should have never been born." Which nursing diagnosis should the nurse include in patient's plan of care?

Accepted Answer

The patient's statement indicates a sense of spiritual distress, where they feel that God wants them to suffer and question their existence. This nursing diagnosis would address the patient's concerns and help the nurse develop appropriate interventions to promote spiritual healing and well-being.

Question 15

The partner of a psychiatric patient says, "This mental illness should not have happened. I tried to teach the importance of professing faith in God and getting converts, but my partner rejected them. Those practices keep me well. It's the only way to live." The nurse can assess that the spouse is demonstrating what form of religiosity?

Accepted Answer

The partner's statement indicates a form of religiosity known as sick religiosity, which involves blaming the patient for their illness and promoting a particular religious practice as the only way to prevent or treat mental illness. This can be harmful to the patient, as it may discourage them from seeking professional help or following prescribed treatments.

Question 16

A caregiver says, "Both of my parents have dementia. I find it so difficult to care for them because of their disabilities. I get depressed and hopeless thinking about it. Can you give me any suggestions for coping?" Before making any suggestions, the nurse should implement what assessment?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A caregiver says, "Both of my parents...

Question 17

A patient asks, "What religions are considered monotheistic? " The nurse understands that religions are included? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Monotheistic religions believe in one god, and Judaism, Islam, and Christianity all fit that definition. Buddhism is not considered monotheistic as it does not believe in a deity, and Wicca is a form of modern paganism that does not have a set belief in a singular god.

Question 18

What information about a patient's perceptions and values would the nurse obtain by using questions from the HOPE tool? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

The HOPE tool is designed to help healthcare providers gather comprehensive information about a patient's spiritual, religious, and personal beliefs that can affect medical care and decision-making. It includes questions about what gives the patient hope and meaning (B), their personal spiritual practices (C), the role of religion in their life (D), and their sources of strength and comfort (E). It does not specifically aim to distinguish between healthy spirituality and sick religiosity (A), which is more of a judgmental distinction not directly addressed by the HOPE questions.

Question 19

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia reports hearing demon voices coming through the television. Which statement by the nurse providing spiritual care would be most comforting to the patient?

Accepted Answer

Choice B acknowledges the patient's distress and shows empathy. The other options might not be helpful for someone experiencing auditory hallucinations.

Quiz 6: Spiritual Issues